Champion’s Glory, a Dark Brown Thoroughbred, born in 2004, managed to accumulate the largest amount in racing prizes ever won by a Brazilian horse: 33 million reais. This fortune was earned by participating in national competitions for a year and a half, such as in Rio de Janeiro, and international competitions for three and a half years, in places like Dubai, France, the United States, Singapore, and more.

As a foal, Glória was purchased by the Stud Estrela Energia farm, owned by Swedish oil entrepreneur Stefan Friborg, for only 30,000 reais. They knew the horse had exemplary genetics but could not have imagined the excellent investment they were making.

Son of the Argentine Impression and the Brazilian mare Audacity, daughter of Clackson, one of the best national specimens, Glória began competing at two years old, in 2006. In 2010, ridden by the gaucho jockey Tiago Josué Pereira, he reached the peak of his turf career by winning the main race at the Dubai World Cup, bringing home over 20 million reais. That same year, he retired. After nearly five years making history in international racing, Glória de Campeão finally left the tracks to become a breeding stallion.

In his first breeding season, he was paired with 85 mares, and it is estimated that around 200 mares have passed through his stud to date. However, producing a foal from a great champion is not simple. To use Glória’s services, two packages are offered:

– Pregnancy Guarantee: mating as many times as necessary until the mare becomes pregnant.
– All Risk: only two matings, with no guarantee of pregnancy. This package costs a staggering R$10,000, so imagine the previous option.

At 10 years old, he still exudes excellent form but now lives a quiet life. At the stud, he enjoys life as a retired champion, no longer racing or requiring extensive grooming. He eats about 7 kilograms of alfalfa in three daily meals, sometimes with a carrot. He is brushed once a day, and due to his relaxed lifestyle, his weight has increased—from 470 kg during his racing days to around 570 kg today.

In 2013, his first offspring began competing, and if they inherit their father’s talent, the value of his breeding packages is likely to increase significantly. Who knows how many new turf talents may emerge from this champion?

Report from 10/27/2013 – Folha de São Paulo