Lasvegas Cowgirl MRL after crossing the finish line in first place in the Champion of Champions of Brazil.

© Clicks do Turfe

By Turfeunapolis

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL—DECEMBER 23, 2025–Owner Roberto Sylvio Abdalla reaped the rewards of his investment on Sunday, December 21 with Lasvegas Cowgirl MRL, who captured the GP Campeão dos Campeões. The 400 yard stakes race was contested at the Jockey Club de Sorocaba, the main Quarter Horse racecourse in South America.

The competition featured 20 participants divided into five heats, held on Saturday, December 20, where only the winners of each heat qualified for the finals.

One of the main highlights was Stud Imortais, represented by trainer Alan Mendes, who conditioned three finalists–Granite Soul, La Reyna, and Polo Fantastic. Cadillac Ease HW was the oldest qualifier, at 5 years of age, but he was withdrawn from the final upon veterinary recommendation.

Owner Roberto Sylvio Abdalla, holding the champion’s trophy, alongside his team and family in the victory photo. © Clicks do Turfe

Lasvegas Cowgirl MRL achieved the fastest qualifying time by winning Trial 5 in 19.508 seconds. She triumphed over Apollitical Jr., Reason Senator STM, and Miss Apolitical Jess, the latter being the betting favorite and the most accomplished filly of her generation at that time.

In the final race, Lasvegas Cowgirl MRL delivered an impressive performance. While she didn't break out in the lead right away, she maintained a position among the frontrunners.

Earlier than anticipated, she took command of the race and ultimately won, successfully fending off a late challenge from Granite Soul. She finished the race with a time of 19.515 seconds, which was nearly identical to her qualifying heat time.

Jockey Ari Andrade, emotional after his victorious return to the racetrack.© Clicks do Turfe

Jockey Ari Andrade, who guided the champion to her biggest career victory, is one of the most experienced and winning riders in Brazilian racing. He is still undergoing treatment to overcome some personal issues.

“I am very grateful to Beto (the owner) for trusting me and giving me an new opportunity,” he said. “Lasvegas has impressive finishes,” added the rider, who is considered one of the most technical jockeys currently active in Brazil.

“We did her entire preparation especially aiming for this race. We knew her potential,” commented trainer I. Nascimento, popularly known as “Guaxinim.” “My stable team was simply phenomenal. We worked very hard for this. We had this mission, and it was fulfilled,” he concluded.

Trainer I. Nascimento “Guaxinim” strokes the champion Lasvegas Cowgirl MRL. © Clicks do Turfe

The victory of Lasvegas Cowgirl MRL crowns the success of the first generation of the sire Flying Cowboy 123 in South America. Her dam, White Zoom (by Shazoom), became a three-time Champion of Champions of Brazil, having previously won with Teller Turim MRL (by Teller Cartel) her first two titles (2021 and 2022).

Owner Roberto Sylvio Abdalla invested R$ 1,200,000 (approximately US $210,000) in the purchase of Lasvegas Cowgirl MRL. This investment allows him to reap early rewards and, from a genetic perspective, will provide an even greater return in the long term due to the outstanding genetic quality of the horse.

In an exclusive interview with StallionSearch, Roberto Sylvio Abdalla expressed his enthusiasm for the genetics of Flying Cowboy 123 in his breeding operation. “We were able to prove in practice what we already believed since the arrival of this very important genetic line for Brazilian breeding. The United States is the center of the Quarter Horse breed and leads other countries in its development. However, Brazil is making significant strides in this area, as demonstrated by the success of Flying Cowboy 123, a top American stallion," Abdalla said.

Trainer I. Nascimento alongside owner Roberto Sylvio Abdalla. © Clicks do Turfe

“We expect to continue her racing campaign as long as she remains in good condition. She has already shown herself to be a spectacular individual and, with this victory, became the best daughter of Flying Cowboy 123 in South America.

When she ends her racing career, she will go to the breeding shed, where she will certainly shine through her offspring,” Abdalla concluded, thanking God for the achievement.

Haras Portofino, owned by the renowned Marcos Ribeiro Leite, is the breeder of Lasvegas Cowgirl MRL. He maintains strong connections in the racing industry in the United States, where he possesses top-level genetic qualifications. Additionally, he promotes exports that contribute to the genetic enrichment of the Quarter Horse breed in Brazil.

Lasvegas Cowgirl MRL earned her fifth victory on the racetrack. She totals R$ 184,050 in earnings (equivalent to US$ 32,810) and holds a speed index of 102.

Jockey Ari Andrade celebrates his victory in the Champion of Champions of Brazil. © Clicks do Turfe

Granite Soul finished second in the Champion of Champions of Brazil. The son of Granite Lake is out of Blues Girl Won (by Mr Jess Perry). He was the winner of the Juvenile ABQM Potro do Futuro, the second leg of the Brazilian Triple Crown and now adds another black type finish from this prestigious race.

Polo Fantastic finished in third, with La Reyna completing the order of the top four.

Racing at the Sorocaba Racecourse will return in March 2026, now under new leadership, after Mr. Jonatas Dantas concluded a successful term in 2024 and 2025. The new president is Jonatan Weisheimer, who will have the mission of extending the growing success of Quarter Horse racing in Brazil.

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