Cidinha Franzão
Saad
Rodrigo Storani Saliba and Marei Rach (Voltaire Rach x Melina Rach by *HS Titian)
Almir José Ribeiro
Ricardo Jamil Saliba
Favio Lorenz
RRACH STUD
ach Stud began its breeding of Arabian Horses in 1985, with as initial focus on conformation, being still today the record number of titles in the adults Categories of Halter and having been named the Nest Halter Breeder of the Brazilian National Arabian Show Horse 2020, in addition ot Best Breeder and Exhibitor of Perfomance of the Brazilian National 2020.
In 1995, its owners Ricardo and Paulo Jamil Saliba fell in love with Equestrian Endurance and were gradually introducing at their breeding program a section of this sport; and because it has its base all in Polish lineage, this initiative also resulted in a record of titles of Brazilian Endurance Championships with 32 victories of products born in the stud, in addition to 15 more products of their stallions with the same title, born in other farms.
Rach Stud was several times named Best Endurance Breeder of the Arabian Horse Breeders Association Ranking; in addition a strong support to the sport; with promotion and sponsorship of events, disseminations of the sport and own award programs.
Today, most products born at Rach Stud are designed with Endurance and Racing in mind. Rach Stud owners understand that both sports are connected, and genetics are very similar.
In recent years, stallions have been used that have significant results in these modalities. And the next phase of breeding program has already begun with the import of genetics from Europe and Arab countries: Sadepars, Djevar de Graves, Bedouin de Piboul, Mister Ginoux, Al Mamum Monlau, Sir Bani Yas, Seraphin du Paon, Mared Al Sahra, Asraa Min Albarq and finally the coming of Tidjani’s first son: Quemir de Blaziet. 2022 was undoubtedly the highlight of this whole history of breeding Rodrigo Storani Saliba, son of Ricardo Jamil Saliba, main endurance rider at Rach Stud, finished 2022 in 1st place in the FEI Endurance Junior/Young Rides World Ranking. Horses born in Rach Stud won 11 races of CEI3* 160 kms, CEI2* 120 kms and CEIYJ2* 120 kms, among 14 held in Brazil.
*Quemir de Blaziet Tidjani x Kerbis de Blaziet)
Rodrigo Storani Saliba
was born with the DNA
of
the Arabian horse in his blood
With 41 races completed, 18 victories, 13 in 120 km races, Rodrigo Storani Saliba was the young rider with the most victories among all those registered with the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) in 2022, which led him to finish first in the FEI Endurance Young Riders World Ranking.
It is important to highlight that he completed eight races during the season without any penalty, thus benefiting from valid bonus points in the FEI Endurance Young Riders World Ranking.
“Winning fifth place in the 2023 FEI World Endurance Championship for Young Riders and Juniors on September 2nd in Castelsagrat was one of the most important achievements of my career to date, as I won the World Championship Try Out on May 26th in Castelsagrat, with
ways encouraged by his uncle Paulo Jamil Sal iba and his parents, who also competed with his children, Rodrigo and Renato Storani Saliba. Saliba ended 2022 as the world record holder in 120 km races with five victories, four of which with animals from Rach Stud and in Brazil. With Marei Rach (Voltaire Rach x Melina Rach by * HS Titian) he finished first in the CEIY2 * 120 km races on March 30th and on September 17th.
With Blues Master Rach (Mister Eros HX x Blue Note Rach by *Polonez) he finished first in the CEIYJ2*120 km race on June 18th and with Miranda Rach (Vesper Rach x Melina Rach by *HS Titian) on December 11th 2022.
And with Loukario Desverrieres he won the CEIYJ2* 120 km Try Out of the World Cup on May 26, in Castelsagrat; and in this year 2023
Loukario Desverrieres,” declared Saliba.
Rodrigo Storani Saliba was born with the DNA of love for the Arabian horse in his blood on October 22, 2002 in São Paulo. The Saliba Family, through his grandfather Jamil Saliba, his father Ricardo Jamil Saliba and his uncle Paulo Jamil Saliba, has been breeding Arabian horses since 1985, when they started breeding at Haras Ilha da Chapada and later changed their name to Rach Stud.
Since his birth, Rodrigo was introduced to the world of the Arabian horse, being taken as a baby by his mother Ana Paula and his father Ricardo to exhibitions throughout Brazil. And his eyes lit up when a family animal won a championship and was taken to him.
With Rach Stud’s animals standing out in endurance races in Brazil and PanAmerican championships, it didn’t ke long for Rodrigo Storani Saliba to start the sport at the age of eight, al-
he was fifth in the FEI World Endurance Championship for Young Riders and Juniors..
The focus until the end of this year is the Pan American Endurance Championship from November 23-26 in Chile.
Name; age and place of birth. Rodrigo Storani Saliba: I’m 20 years old and was born in São Paulo.
When and why did you start riding?
RSS: I started participating in endurance races in 2011, when I was eight years old. My family breeds Arabian horses, my uncle and my parents participated in this discipline. So my entry was kind of natural. I started doing controlled speed races together with my parents and my brother Renato.
From left to right: Ana Paula Storani Saliba, Renato Storani Saliba, Ricardo Jamil Saliba and Rodrigo Jamil Saliba
Rodrigo Storani Saliba and Loukario Desverrieres Micka Photographie
How did you come into contact with endurance?
RSS: I had contact with endurance racing since I was little, following my parents and uncle’s career on the farm and in competitions. I have endurance as a sport. This force I to also remain physically prepared. In 2019, when I did my first international races, I became more interested. My participation is also closely linked to our family’s breeding. It is a pleasure to be able to ride animals raised at home.
What is your greatest Endurance experience?
RSS: The race in Fontainebleau, in 2019, was extremely important, as it was my first race outside Brazil, where I gained more experience and got to know a higher level of the sport.
How do you prepare for endurance races?
RSS: My preparation is done in the gym with a personal trainer, with training focused on riding and on weekends and holidays riding on the farm. Because I live far from the farm, I can only ride on certain weekends. So while the animals are conditioned by the trainers, I do my part by staying in shape to handle long-distance races. I am even monitored by a doctor specializing in sports.
A race that has not yet been competed and an unforgettable race.
RSS: I have a dream of competing in a desert race and an unforgettable event was the victory in Castelsagrat, on May 26, 2022, in the Try Out of the 2023 Young Riders World Championship. It was without a doubt the most important event of my life.
Which horse has marked your trajectory, to date, in Equestrian endurance?
RSS: The horse that marked my career was Wild Bill Rach (Arabian cross), which I started my free speed races with and which, due to his docility and intelligence, enabled me to evolve in endurance racing.
What titles have you won to date?
RSS: I have four titles in the Brazilian Championship (2013-Short Distance Young, 2015- Short Distance Mirim, 2016-YR1*, 2017-YR1* and 2023-YR1*); four in the São Paulo State championship (2014- Short Distance Mirim, 2015Short Distance Mirim, 2016-YR1*, 2019-YR2*, ), three first places in the ranking of the Brazilian Equestrian Confederation (CBH) and five Efficiency Trophies (trophy from the São Paulo Equestrian Federation to the best of the year: 2014-Graduado Mirim, 2015-Curta Mirim, 2016YR1*, 2019-YR2*).
What’s it like to be the best Young Rider in the world in 2022?
RSS: Finishing first in the world rankings brings me a lot of joy and happiness, mainly due to
the perfect process carried out by the employees, veterinarians and members of the Rach team here in Brazil and by the professionals in France. I have to thank the team of trainers at Rach Stud, our veterinarian Dr. Beto Turato and the horses I rode this year. We spend years qualifying our animals to have a year like this. And also to Dr. Guilherme Santos for all the learning he has provided me abroad
Do you have any superstitions when riding?
RSS: I never started in any race with the aim of winning. In all cases, we knew that we had to wait for the last stage to know what to do. The animal’s safety always comes first. With the most experienced and prepared animals, the results happened naturally.
What advice would you give to anyone who wants to become an endurance rider?
RSS: Equestrian endurance is a wonderful sport. But you have to be very patient and control your anxiety at all times, since the race doesn’t just depend on us. There is another being involved, and we need sensitivity to understand what he wants, if he is okay or if he is uncomfortable. I had a lot of frustrations along the way and I know I will have many more to come. But I will also have joy that will erase the bad moments.
Besides endurance, what other sport do you like to do?
RSS: I like surfing.
Idols in the endurance and in life.
RSS: My uncle Paulo
Ricardo Jamil Saliba and Ana Paula Storani Saliba
Rodrigo Storani Saliba and Marei Rach
Jamil Saliba.
Rodrigo Storani Saliba and Miranda Rach
The legacy of Paulo Jamil Saliba
Paulo Jamil Saliba / Horatius Rach (Pavel Rach x Hakima ELS by *Prichal)
Alongside his brother Ricardo Jamil Saliba in charge of Rach Stud, Paulo contributed significantly to the strengthening and improvement of Arabian horse breeding in Brazil, becoming one of the biggest supporters of the race, especially in Racing and Endurance.
The Brazilian Arabian horse family suffered an immeasurable loss, of a dear friend and a breeder who greatly contributed to the growth and strengthening of the breed in the country.
On Saturday, March 18th, we said goodbye to Paulo Jamil Saliba, who for more than 40 years was at the head of Rach Stud Agropecuária Ltda. alongside his late father, Jamil Saliba, and his brother Ricardo Jamil Saliba.
Despite the deep sadness we feel at his early loss, at the age of 55, what remains is the legacy of Paulo Jamil Saliba. His legacy will never be forgotten.
Whether as a breeder of Arabian horses, passionate about racing and with in-depth knowledge of morphology and pedigree. Or as an incredible human being, with an undeniable character.
It is impossible to remember Paulo without being transported to the company of an extremely pleasant and intelligent person. Despite being discreet, he was extremely funny. He could be ironic without being rude.
If in a conversation someone mentioned the name of a horse, Paulo would soon come up and talk about the entire genetic history of the animal to explain it to everyone. He was a true human encyclopedia!
In addition to his love for racing, Paulo was passionate about equestrian endurance. He competed in important races in Brazil and passed this passion on to his nephew Rodrigo Storani Saliba, who finished 2022 in first place in the FEI Endurance Young Riders World Ranking. In addition to organizing endurance races together with his brother Ricardo, both in the city of Sorocaba, State of São Paulo, and on Ilha da Chapada and in the cities of Alfenas and Pouso Alegre, in the State of Minas Gerais.
In order to pay due tribute to this great breeder of the Arabian Horse, who was unanimous as he was adored by everyone, we gathered some testimonials from friends of Paulo Jamil Saliba to show that his legacy will never be forgotten by the Brazilian Arabian horse family.
LUCAS QUINTANA, TRAINER AT RACH STUD
“Paulo was a very good person with a very big heart. I have worked with the Saliba family for 15 years. He took me to some Arabian Horse exhibitions and that’s when I saw how important he is among breeders.”
“I was with Paulo at three Brazilian National Shows and he was a gigantic person in the Arabian horse world, both at national and international level.”
“The initiative to take the Arabian sport horse to racing was his. It’s been 10 years of racing at the Jockey Club de São Paulo and thanks to Paulo.”
“Known by everyone and loved by everyone, he was unanimous in the midst of so much adversity of opinions.”
ALMIR RIBEIRO, RACING DIRECTOR OF THE ARABIAN HORSE BREEDERS BRAZILIAN ASSOCIATION (ABCCA)
“Paulo Jamil Saliba was and will always be the Ambassador of Arabian Horse Racing in Brazil. He worked hard to get the first foreign sponsorships for our races.”
“In 2013, Brazil became a member of IFHAR –International Federation of Horse Arabian Racing - and Paulo was our first representative.”
“On February 28, 2015, we founded HARC – Heritage Arabian Racing Club – in Abu Dhabi together with representatives from Australia, Egypt, Morocco, Poland, Turkey, the UK, the UAE, the USA, and Russia, initiated by HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan; and we lead this association with representatives from 22 countries.”
“Still in 2015, we secured our first sponsors in the UAE through the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Shadwell Farms.”
“Thanks to this work, today our races are sponsored by HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival and UAE President Cup South America Mondial.”
“Mr Jamil Saliba planted this seed. Paulo Saliba helped it to be born and grow, and we now have the mission of continuing this unique work. Rest in Peace Dear Brother!”
CRISTIANE (VICE PRESIDENT OF PROMOTION AT ABCCA), FERNANDA AND ZICO GUARDIA
“Paulo Jamil Saliba was a very dear friend to all of us. He was an icon of the Arabian breed and the horse world in general. The Saliba brothers have this legacy of spreading the Arabian horse in all disciplines. And Paulo accomplished this task with a lot of love for the horse.”
“For us, in particular, he is a great friend who has passed away. We wish our dear friend Ricardo and family peace, comfort, courage and a lot of strength at this time and may he be sure that we will always be with him.”
GUILHERME FERREIRA SANTOS, VETERINARIAN OF THE BRAZILIAN ENDURANCE TEAM AND BREEDER
“I’m going to tell you a little story that for me summarizes the character and human quality of Paulo Jamil Saliba. At a lunch at the São Paulo Jockey Club with Paulo and Ricardo, a mare of mine that was close to giving birth to Mister Eros caused the three of us a lot of curiosity about the result of this long-awaited crossbreeding; and I shared with them my concern about the situation of the mare, which was very heavy and had wobbles (equine protozoal myeloencephalitis), which put the birth and the mare’s life at risk if she lay down without being able to get up.”
“A week later, I received a package sent by Paulo at home, and I called him asking what it was about. He told me that he ordered a medicine to be formulated and sent it to me as a gift, not allowing me to pay for it. He told me: ‘Guilherme, it’s a gift from me and I hope it works, because the most important thing is that the mare lives. ’”
Paulo Jamil Saliba, Ana Paula Storani Saliba, Jamil Saliba and Ricardo Jamil Saliba Kids: Rodrigo Storani Saliba and Renato Storani Saliba
Ricardo Jamil Saliba, Paulo Jamil Saliba and Charlie Watts
Paulo Jamil Saliba and Lucas Quintana
Source: ABCCA/Cidinha Franzão Photos: Cidinha Franzão/ Provided by the family
Zico Guardia, Ricardo Saliba, Paulo Saliba, Cristiane and Fernanda
Paulo Jamil Saliba and Almir José Ribeiro
Rodrigo Storani Saliba: the Little Prince of Worldwide Endurance
Portrait of a young rider packed of talent with very specific goals
by Anne Jonchery
Arabian Horse International met Rodrigo Storani Saliba at the Young Riders World Championships in Castelsagrat (France).
His aim was to finish the race with a horse in good condition, and if possible in the Top 10: he finished in the Top 5! He achieved his goal: “It’s a lovely gift and a great reward for everything we’re trying to build”.
Rodrigo’s family owns an Arabian horses breeding, Rach Stud, and he values the horses. A great endurance race is also organized there in May.
Although Rodrigo was familiar with the tracks, he had already ridden at Castelsagrat and won the CEIYJ2* Test Event in 2022, this race was a little more difficult: “the speed was higher and there were a few rain-drops in the morning. As a result, there were places where the ground slipped a little. There were changes in temperature all day long, but that didn’t cause any problems for my horse: he managed it well”.
When asked if he had moments of doubt, his answer is very clear: “Every time there was a small change in temperature, I was very careful. It wasn’t my horse I was worried about, but more the weather conditions; I didn’t want to make any mistakes”.
Never far from the lead
Right from the start, Rodrigo moved up to the lead of the race with a well-defined strategy: “We decided not to be too far from the front, but not completely ahead. I spent part of the race with the French. I didn’t think it was smart to follow the leaders because I didn’t know what they were going to do”.
So why did he join the French group? “The French team knows the course well and they know how to succeed. I thought it was smarter to start with them and then judge what to do during the race”.
With everything going well, Rodrigo suddenly changed tactics: “Halfway through the 3rd loop, I felt that my horse was doing well and that I could perhaps join the leading group: I had to choose the right moment to attack this group! But at the end, I realized that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the 6 leading riders who had decided to speed up. So, I decided not to follow them and to continue the race at the speed that suited my horse”.
It was a good decision, as the young Brazilian took the 5th place in this Championship, which
he raced for the last time; from 2024, Rodrigo will be competing in the Seniors category.
The couple’s performance was all the more remarkable given that Loukario des Verrières was competing in his first World Cup, and that they were up against some very experienced horses and top-level riders.
Rodrigo thus achieves the best individual result ever achieved by a young Brazilian rider.
The preparation of a top-level athlete
Those who have already seen Rodrigo race will have noticed that it is not uncommon to see him running beside his horse: “He already did this at Castelsagrat last year and in Brazil. When there are big climbs, he’s used to getting off his horse and running alongside” comments Veterinary Doctor Guilherme Santos, a close family friend and very active member of the team surrounding Rodrigo. And Rodrigo’s physical condition is not a funny matter: he runs on an inclined treadmill, does gymnastics and boxing. For this Championship, the young Brazilian has put all the chances on his side: “he has a nutritionist who has prepared a special diet for him to follow on a daily basis. For Castelsagrat, he lost 6 kilos. Rodrigo is tall (1m83 – ed.note), so he has to do everything he can to be as light as possible” explains Doctor Santos.
A sharp preparation for an unusual race
A World Championship is not an ordinary race. To give him the best chance as possible, Rodrigo’s team has put in place very precise preparation:
Rodrigo Saliba and Loukario des Verrières. Photo Anne Jonchery
Rodrigo Saliba and Loukario des Verrières. Photo Anne Jonchery
“Last year, Rodrigo took part in the test event at Castelsagrat. But to compete in this World Championship, he needed a 2nd race with Loukario des Verrières. So, we went to Fontainebleau (France) last October, where they qualified (the pair finished 8th at an average speed of 19.2 km/h - ed. note). This year, we raced at Castelsagrat on the CEIYJ*- 100 km in May, where they came 2nd (they were the fastest on the last loop: 19.4 km/h, with an overall average speed of 18.5 km/h – ed.note). This race was just to perfect the horse’s evolution, to show him the track again, and for the rider to remember it well” explains Dr Santos.
But although Rodrigo was quite calm and kept a cool head, he was still a little anxious a few days before the race; everything was managed remotely, since Rodrigo only arrived 3 days before the start of the Championship. He was still able to get back in touch with his horse and the track during the outings scheduled for the 2 days before the big day.
Loukario des Verrières: his accomplice
This 9-year-old thoroughbred Arabian horse, son of Djevar des Graves (Djebel Lotois x Varoussa*Ecolit) and Ondine du Pouy (Dormane* HN x Helen de Colmar) is under contract to Rodrigo. The pair met at the test event last year, and got along very well. He has been owned by his breeder and trainer since his debut, the Frenchman Ludovic Sarroul.
sphere, and did a great job. I’d like to thank my father, Ricardo, and Guilherme (Dr. Santos, ed.), Pedro, Ludovic, Leslie and Thomas. It’s an incredible team that has enabled me to realize my dream”.
For the past year and a half, the whole team has been working on fine-tuning the settings for both horse and rider; there are a few cultural differences that had to be worked out: “My role has been to act as an intermediary to help the rider understand what is important for Ludovic’s team, and to try to explain Ludovic the way of working in Brazil. The way of racing between France and Brazil is really different. It was important to maintain this good atmosphere” explains Dr Guilherme Santos.
This date at Castelsagrat was essential for them following the big disappointment of 4 years ago: “for the World Championship in Pisa (Italy), we had rented a horse which started limping 15 days before the race! So, the only option we had to participate was to find a horse that was already on the nominative list, even in another country. At the last minute, we found a horse in Italy. Everyone made an effort: the Italians, the Brazilian federation, the FEI who waited
until the last moment, and in the end, the horse didn’t pass the initial inspection. It was a huge frustration for the whole team and the family who were there. So, we all went home” says Guilherme Santos, who adds that they dealt with the situation “with much elegance”.
Everyone went back to work, and all their efforts were finally rewarded with this fine 5th place.
It is important to keep in mind that Rodrigo is not an Olympic hopeful, as endurance is not an Olympic discipline. As a result, his main sponsor is his family, with the family breeding, Rach Stud.
In 2022, Rodrigo’s performance has enabled him to take the 1st place on the endurance ranking list.
This year, he is the only endurance rider nominated for the Longines FEI Rising Star, which recognizes an athlete aged between 14 and 21 who demonstrate exceptional sporting talent and commitment. Let’s keep our fingers crossed!
But it is not certain that Rodrigo / Loukario des Verrières will be back on the endurance circuit: the horse interests many people ... so what does the young Brazilian’s future hold? A mystery ... perhaps with a horse from the family breeding ...
On to Monpazier 2024
With or without Loukario des Verrières, Rodrigo intends to take part in the next World Championships, this time in the Seniors category: “They already have qualified horses in Brazil, so there’s plenty of time to bring them to Europe. But first, as Rodrigo is changing category, he needs to qualify as a pair”, reports Dr Guilherme Santos, “the family’s aim was to promote breeding. Now we’ll see; with horses, you never know .....”. So there is a good chance we will see a horse bearing the Rach affix galloping on the Dordogne tracks next year.
In the meantime, Rodrigo’s next target is not only to take part in the Pan-American Games (Llay-Llay, Chile) on November 23rd, with a horse from the family stud, Miranda Rach, but he has the aim of winning. Rodrigo will compete with the Brazilian team for the 1st time.
A solid team
What would a rider be without support? Rodrigo is well aware of this, and would like to thank his entire team: “We worked in a good atmo
Rodrigo Saliba and Loukario des Verrières winners of CEIYJ2* Test Event in Castelsagrat 2022
Rodrigo Storani Saliba and Miranda Rach
RACH STUD INTERNATIONAL CUP 2023
Two more excellent days of competitions on Ilha da Chapada with the Rach Stud International Cup 2023, on one of the most beautiful trails in South America, took place on the 22nd and 23rd of September 2023.
The competition stands out for being held at Fazenda Ilha da Chapada, an artificial lake island located in the dam reservoir or Lago de Furnas, known as the “Mar de Minas”, as it is the largest lake in terms of extension in the State of Minas Gerais, in addition to be one of the largest artificial lakes in the world.
On this island, two days of competitions for the Rach Stud Internacional Cup 2023 were held; an exciting equestrian endurance competition organized by the Saliba family, from Rach Stud – one of the main Arabian Horse breeding facilities in Brazil. The competitions were attended by competitors from all over the country and challenged everyone to overcome the adversities imposed by the intense heat.
The events were marked by the technical excellence of the organizing team and competi-
(Cáceres CSM x *Endora by Wojslaw) won first place in the CEIYJ1* 100 km race.
Generations Enduro 2023 which was held on October 9th.
tors, who demonstrated their ability to face the challenging climate, ensuring the safety of both riders and horses.
The scorching heat, with temperatures reaching 34 degrees, brought additional challenges for the riders. But the team of judges and veterinarians took careful measures to ensure the well-being of both the animals and the contestants.
“The race was very good technically. All competitors praised the trails and we had more participants than last year”, said Ricardo Saliba, event organizer.
In the races held on Friday, September 22nd, the riders from Brasília Fernando Gonçalves Costa with Troyes da Capital (Riguel da Capital x CP Tulipa by WS Nukhbah) and Diogo de Oliveira Martins x CP Latifa (Qubilaikhan de Crouz x Eternity da Barra by Ebandor do Top) were the champions of the CEI1* 100 km and CEN 80 km Senior category races respectively.
The young rider from the State of Paraná, Gustavo Machado Ulsenheimer riding RG El Cid
Diogo Martins and Gustavo Ulsenheimer also shone in the rides on Saturday, September 23rd. Riding RG Kamen (Cáceres CSM x Canela CSM by Pavel Rach) Gustavo was the champion of the CEIYR1* 100 km race. Martins with Helanca Rach (Vesper Rach x Heladia Rach by Paradiso Rach) won the CEN 80 km race.
Also from Brasília, Rafaela Moreira Barreto riding Tannat XB (Nawwak Na x Thaylla by Khayd El Jamaal) was the champion of the CEI2* 120 km race.
The riders from the State of São Paulo Daniel de Oliveira with VG Norteña (Anthares x Romania Endurance by *Moubarak Tawfik) finished first in the CEI1* 100 km race; Rachel Martins Renno riding Tirado Endurance was the champion in the CEN 80 Senior race and Eli Peres Steinbruch riding Trinkle Endurance (Momix Endurance x Kilina HVP by *Ponomarev) was the winner in the CEN 80 km Junior race.
In addition to the competitions, the Rach Stud Internacional Cup 2023 organized an Open House with the presentation of the animals that were in the traditional Virtual Auction Rach
The 2023 Rach Stud International Cup also honored young Rodrigo Storan Saliba for his fifth-place finish in the FEI Longines World Endurance Championship for Juniors and Young Riders in Castelsagrat, France and a special tribute was dedicated to Paulo Jamil Saliba, an iconic figure who led the Rach Stud for over four decades.
“We had more than 150 people sleeping on the farm, involved in the event and in a very intense social part of the event. After all, we had several moments of celebration, with different activities within the island. All in all, it was a very pleasant weekend for everyone”, declared Ricardo Jamil Saliba.
Other champions: 60 km Adult Felizardo Costa Brandão with Eldarek; 60 km Young Helena Haaland with Floripa Endurance; Graduated Adult 40 km Richard Patrick Pereira Fernandez with Aloha BV and 20 km Adult Otavio Marques de Paiva Neto with La Magnum HVP.
Text Cidinha Franzão. Photos: Marina Pedroso
L-R: Rodrigo Storani Saliba, Ana Paula Storani Saliba, Guilherme Ferreira Santos e Ricardo Jamil Saliba
Rafaela Moreira Barreto riding Tannat XB
Diogo de Oliveira Martins with CP Latifa
Diogo de Oliveira Martins with Helanca Rach
Gustavo Machado Ulsenheimer with RG El Cid Gustavo Machado Ulsenheimer with RG Kamen
Fernando Gonçalves Costa with Troyes da Capital
Eli Peres Steeinbruch with Trinkle Endurance
Léo Steeinbruch with NNL Emília
Rachel Martins Renno with Tirado Endurance
RACH STUD INTERNATIONAL CUP 2024
João Pedro Bornia Antocheski, rider from the State of Paraná riding RG Koral, won his first CEI3* 160 km race at the Rach Stud International Cup, held on Saturday, May 4 on Ilha da Chapada, State of Minas Gerais, headquarters of Rach Stud.
At 4:30 am was the start of the CEI3* 160 km and CEI3* 140 km races. The well-planned trails and adequate vet check area were unanimously approved by all competitors, alongside stunning landscapes provided by a river island, where all participants and their teams stay on the farm for four or five days.
The rider from Brasília, Diogo de Oliveira Martins who rode CP Latifa and the representative of the State of São Paulo, Luiz Felipe Pupo G. Rossi, riding San José Cesáreo, finished in second and third places respectively.
The Bronze medalist pair at the Pan-American Championships in Chile, José Caio Frisoni Vaz Guimarães and Stud Brasil Itajara won the CEI3* 140 km race, followed by João Leonel Antocheski riding Mars Endurance. João Leonel is the father of João Pedro, winner of the 160 km.
The rider from the State of Minas Gerais, Renato Salvador with Logan D’Jok Trio was the champion of the CEI2* 120 km race. He finished eighth in February riding Uzès Trio in the 160km race in Al’Ula, Saudi Arabia.
In the CEIYR2* 120 km race the winner was Gustavo Machado Ulsenheimer with Zoey Kong Rach. Carolina Cardoso Duarte who rode Peridot Rach won the CEI1* 100 km Senior race and in the CEIYR1* 100 km the winner was the young rider from São Paulo, João Vitor Bagarolli Rodrigues riding Bellodalix SBV.
On Friday, May 3rd, the Jamil Saliba Cup (CEI1* 100 km and CEIYR1* 100 km) was held in honor of the patriarch of the Saliba family and founder of Rach Stud Agropecuária Ltda.
Uruguayan Mateo Castro Papayani riding Nona Djok Trio won in the Senior category and Diogo de Oliveira Martins won in the Young Riders category riding Infinity Stone Rach.
In addition to the races, the Saliba family organizes a friendly social integration with football, fishing, trips and diving in the dam, dinners and even a show of animals from the Haras, which make the International Rach Stud International Cup a totally different event with its own characteristics and a event probably without similar in the world.
The Rach Stud Internacional Cup is established as one of the biggest Endurance events of the year, according to the opinion of competitors, teams and families who attended the race.
According to Ricardo Saliba, the race was attended by 82 riders: “It was fantastic to welcome a group of friendly athletes and their families. We had the presence of more or less 150 people, with more than 100 staying or camping at the stud farm.”
“We had an intense social part, with Arabic dinner, barbecue and even football. Without a doubt, it was a very special moment for everyone. The result left us very satisfied and looking forward to holding a new race next year, in order to provide this union of endurance riders and their families excited by their love for the sport and the Arabian horse”, concludes Saliba.
COPA JAMIL SALIBA - CEI 1* 100 Km Adulto: 1 Uruguaio Mateo Castro Papayani/Nona Djok Trio, 18.40 km/h. Telmo Jose Sousa Gois/Pepi Djok Trio, 18.40 km/h. 3 Ederson F. da Costa/ Stud Brasil Negroni, 17.60 km/h.
CEIYR1* 100 km: 1- Diogo de Oliveira Martins/Infinity Stone Rach, 15.91 km/h. Gustavo M. Ulsenheimer/ASTON RACh/vel.: 15.90
“I aimed to finish the race, as I didn’t manage to finish the first one. It was an ideal race for Koral, in addition to the wonderful trails, it was a paradisi-acal race. As I said, my objective was to finish the race with the horse in good condition, because the trails are flat, which means running at a higher speed than the others.”
“I participated in previous editions in other categories, 120 km and 100 km, so I knew the trails, although this year there was small changes. During all the stages, both my team and I were very nervous, but we overcame each one. In the last five kilometers, I caressed Koral’s neck and said to him: ‘You are a warrior, you will finish this race with fireworks’”.
“With three kilometers to go, I told him: ‘only three more kilometers, and he started galloping freely and with a lot of energy, as if he was telling me: I’m fine and we’re going to win’. And when he saw that crowd screaming at the finish line and I dismounted, he showed all his happiness, as if telling me: ‘We did it, mission accomplished!’ And the final crowning achievement was, in addition to first place, winning the Best Condition Award which, for us Brazilians, is very important because it means that the horse had an excellent performance.”
CEI 3* 160 km winner: João Pedro Bornia Antocheski / RG Koral
RACH STUD INTERNATIONAL CUP/4 de maio de 2024
CEI3* 160 km: 1 João Pedro Bornia Antocheski/RG Koral, 16.14 km/h, 2 Diogo de Oliveira Martins/CP Latifa, 15.73 km/h. 3 Luiz Felipe P. G. Rossi/San José Cesáreo/vel.: 15.73 km/h.
CEI3* 140 km: 1- José Caio F. Vaz Guimarães/ Stud Brasil Itajara, 16.73 km/h. 2- João Leonel Antocheski/Mars Endurance, 16.42 km/h.
CEI2* 120 km: 1 Renato M. Salvador Silva/Logan D’Jok Trio, 18.46 km/h. 2 Ana Carla Ma ciel/Traviatta SBV, 18.36 km/h. 3 André Vidiz/ NNL Emilia, 18.33 km/h.
CEIYR2* 120 km: 1 Gustavo M. Ulsenheimer/ Zoey Kong Rach, 17.03 km/h. 2 Pedro Pupo Mastrorosa/Acrux Albar, 17.03 km/h.
CEI1* 100 km: 1 Carolina Cardoso Duarte/Peridot Rach, 17.26 km/h. 2 Ederson Fernandes da Costa/Asterix SBV, 17.24 km/h. 3 Cláudio Eluan Kalume/Mazurka Rach, 15.74 km/h.
CEIYR1* 100 km: 1 João Vitor Bagarolli Rodrigues/Bellodalix SBV, 14.49 km/h.
The winners in the other races were: CEN 80 km Adult: José Willian Teixeira dos Santos with RG Kares; CEN 80 km Junior: Bernardo Machado Ulsenheimer with Patriotka Rach; CEN 60 km Adult: Rodrigo Storani Saliba with Verve Rach; CEN 60 km Young: Sofia Engels with Miranda Rach; CEN 40 km Adult: Juliana Rodrigues de Paiva with Quinteto Armorial (horse of the Crioulo breed) and CEN 20 km: Ricardo Sobreira Silva Araújo with Lutero Original (horse Mangalarga Marchador).
Text Cidinha Franzão. Photos Marina Pedroso
“Since the first edition, I have been going to the Rach Stud race with a lot of expectation and excitement. It’s my favorite place and it brings me a feeling of closeness to animals, nature, trails and endurance people. That’s why we chose her to try my first 160 km race and that of my mare CP Latifa. The two days of racing were excellent. On Friday, I competed and won the CEIYR1* 100 km race with Infinity Stone Rach, a very resistant mare loaned by Ricardo Saliba. In that first moment we were able to get to know the trail better, the support points and organize the team, which worked very well and resulted in the podium for the Rach team.”
“On Saturday we ran the CEI3* 160 km race, a much-awaited challenge that we chose to do with CP Latifa after the excellent result at the Pan-American Championships in Chile. She looked great, very well trained and with fire in her eyes, I had never seen her look so good. Of course, it was still a big challenge to debut at a distance we had never done before, but it was one of the races I enjoyed most in my life. Running on those trails with Latifa and a committed team from sunrise to sunset is definitely a memory I will never forget. In fact, I still get chills just thinking about those moments. We didn’t go to win, but to complete the distance in good health, and I was very happy to see her complete the 160 km in excellent condition; going through all the vet checks and resting times feeling good, eating, with desire and with joy to be there.”
José Caio Frisoni Vaz Guimarães / Stud Brasil Itajara - CEI 3* 140 km winner
Diogo de Oliveira Martins / CP Latifa
