By @Turfeeunapolis

SOROCABA, BRAZIL–APRIL 27, 2026–Since Savan Toll in 2001, no horse has won all three races of the Derby Triple Crown series at Jockey Club de Sorocaba in the same year. However, this season, Quartel Fantastic moved within reach of that achievement last Saturday, April 25, when he captured the GP Pres. da ABQM - Sra. Monica Ribeiro Castro Cunha, the second leg of the series for horses 3-year-olds and older.

Quartel Fantastic was bred by Haras São Matheus, which boasts 52 years of tradition. The operation was established by Mrs. Beth and the late Mr. Ovídio Ferreira Vieira (in memoriam), two of the most important names in the history of the Quarter Horse industry in Brazil.

Mr. Ovídio would certainly be very proud to see the campaign that the 587 kg (1,294 lbs) gelding is putting together. 

This weekend’s race featured six participants (two males and four females). There were no trials; everything was decided in a single race, contested over a distance of 400 yards, with a total purse equivalent to US$ 27,000.

After the break, the oldest on the field (5-year-old) Hamina Lake took the early lead.

Quartel Fantastic managed to overtake her in the second half of the race, when he began to engage in a tough duel against Graziela Vista, a daughter of Flying Cowboy 123, eventually defeating her by a head.

Quartel Fantastic stopped the clock in 19.489 seconds, facing a crosswind of 5 mph. He earned a SI-101, the highest among the 40 horses that competed on Saturday’s card at Sorocaba.

“First of all, I want to thank God for this wonderful return I’ve had to São Matheus. I was already thinking about quitting riding, I considered stopping many times, but my family gave me a lot of support so I could continue. I thank the entire team, Dona Beth as well, and everyone who is part of our barn,” said jockey Ronaldo Pereira, who recently turned 41 years old.

The second Derby title was also another notable achievement for trainer Everton Maciel, who started not long ago in the role but has shown great efficiency.

His barn team is comprised of Dr. Dudu Limongi, one of the most renowned veterinarians in South America, along with the work of Dr. Cesar Pedrazzi, Lielson, and Tinga—key members of the championship team.

“It’s incredible what this horse is doing. Within our new guidelines and future auction planning, we have horses standing out in other countries, with high performance. This title only crowns our work,” said Bruno Bonin, representative director of Haras São Matheus.

Foaled in October 2022, Quartel Fantastic is by Fantastic Corona Jr., one of the leading sires in Brazil. He is out of Fortuna Fly (by Magnifico Fly). He now records 5 wins (including 3 consecutive) and has accumulated earnings of R$ 211,900 (US$ 42,000).

The Corona Cartel grandson could become the Triple Crown winner of the Sorocaba Derbys in August, when he competes in the third leg. The first was won on March 21, when he defeated the 2025 Champion of Champions of Brazil, the mare Lasvegas Cowgirl MRL.

The II Derby - GP Pres. da ABQM had Graziela Vista as the runner-up, a filly by Flying Cowboy 123 out of Kapalua Secrets (by No Secrets Here). Liv Senator SAM finished third, followed by Hamina Lake (4th), Hora da Vitória (5th), and Queen Charlotte (6th) completing the order of finish.

“I want to congratulate the entire São Matheus team for the achievement. The board is very happy with the results we are having at the Jockey Club, with a large number of horses competing and increasing wagering, improving with each race day. This is very important because it allows us to make new investments in the main stage of Quarter Horse racing in Latin America,” said Jonatan Weisheimer, president of Jockey Club de Sorocaba.

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