Apollitical Glory, ridden by Vicente Barros, crosses the wire first in the finals of the GP Taça de Ouro on Saturday at the Jockey Club de Sorocaba.

© Clicks do Turfe

By @Turfeeunapolis

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL–NOVEMBER 23, 2025–In Brazil's premier Quarter Horse race of the weekend, the GP Taca de Ouro, Apollitical Glory added another classic victory for her breeder and owner, the Braga family of Haras Prata.

“Winning this major stakes race with Apollitical Glory was incredible, a day that will never be forgotten by all of us from Haras Prata,” said Eriquinho Braga.

The GP Taça de Ouro held its trials on November 8, where 19 horses were divided into five eliminations. Only the winners of each heat advanced to contend for the title, which was run on Saturday, November 22, at the Jockey Club of Sorocaba.

Despite having the fastest trial time, Apollitical Glory was not the bettors’ favorite in the finals — the public placed greater faith in Messi Fantastic STM. The 3-year-old filly had always been highly regarded, but some health setbacks, as disclosed by her team, delayed her quest for peak form.

Eriquinho Braga, breeder and owner of the GP Taça de Ouro champion© Alx Fotografia

“The expectations of the whole team were very high; she gave a great performance at the Brazilian Futurity, but then she had a somewhat serious clinical episode that kept her off the track for a good while,” revealed the breeder and owner.

In her trial heat, Apollitical Glory engaged in a tough duel with Maximus Granite, narrowly coming out on top. In the final, she made a good break but did not seize the lead immediately, as her paternal half-sister, Condessa Flying MV, was ahead through the first 110 yards.

Apollitical Glory increased her momentum in the second half of the race, taking over the lead. Polo Fantastic and the favorite Messi Fantastic STM tried to keep up, but were unable to mount a pass.

Members and supporters of Haras Prata in the winner’s circle photo of the GP Taça de Ouro. © Alx Fotografia

Wearing the distinguished silks of Haras Prata, the champion clocked the winning time in 17.700 seconds over 350 yards. It was her second career victory, and first stakes win, with earnings of R$40,400 (approximately US$7,575).

“From the moment she was born, Apollitical Glory was a very eagerly anticipated filly. We had already considered her a genetic reserve at the farm due to the quality of her pedigree. And from her very first training session, she stood out from the others,” said Eriquinho Braga.

Haras Prata’s breeding operation secured its eighth title this year just at the Jockey Club of Sorocaba, where they are the leading breeder (23 wins) and approaching R$1,000,000 (US$187,500) in total prize money earned.

Trainer Flavio Melo, who led the standings in 2024 with nine stakes titles in Sorocaba, celebrated his second consecutive GP Taça de Ouro. He had won the same race in the previous season with Edo JQM. This year, he achieved 19 wins (the top of the ranking in that category) and surpassed R$700,000 (approximately US$131,250) in prize money earned.

Jockey Vicente Barros is the leading rider by wins in 2025 at the Sorocaba Racetrack © Alx Fotografia

Jockey Vicente Barros, the most successful rider of 2025 at Sorocaba, notched his 17th victory of the season. He highlighted the incredible comeback his mount had made in recent months, losing a significant amount of weight but returning with great spirit to the top of the podium.

“Thanks to her heart, her grit, and the dedication of the entire team, especially her trainers L. Levir and F. P. Melo, today has become possible. We are extremely proud of Apollitical Glory and are certain that her future will be nothing short of brilliant,” concluded Braga.

Apollitical Glory (Flying Cowboy 123 - Personal Glory, by Walk Thru Fire). © Alx Fotografia

Personal Glory (by Walk Thru Fire), the dam of Apollitical Glory, won three races at Los Alamitos in 2010 and 2011. She earned US$172,554 and became a finalist in major events, including the Ed Burke Million Futurity, where she finished third. She was exported to Brazil in 2017, purchased by Haras Jaguaruana of Pedro Barbizan.

Flying Cowboy 123’s first crop in South America is making a huge impact. In Sorocaba, 5 of his 7 raced foals have won, including two stakes winners, totaling 11 victories and R$166,250 (US$31,200) in earnings.

In the GP Taça de Ouro, the runner-up was Polo Fantastic, and Messi Fantastic STM finished in third place. Condessa Flying MV came in fourth, followed by Fast Good Candy in fifth.

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