TEAO - El Derby de Chile G1 - Photo: OSAF
The 2026 edition of the Gr1 El Derby de Chile, which took place on Sunday 1 February at the Valparaíso Sporting racecourse in Viña del Mar, produced one of the most thrilling finishes in the race’s history, when the Luis Torres partnered Teao (CHI) came with a late surge to snatch victory in the final stride.
It was Cartman who had set the early pace in this sixteen-runner strong field, while the Julio Orellana trained Teao was travelling in second last position. As they approached the final bend, the eventual winner still hadn’t made a decisive move, but as they came into the straight, he started to gain on his on his opponents, weaving his way through the field, improving his position with every stride to catch his stable companion Noche Sublime (CHI) on the line.
It was an impressive performance by the son of Ya Primo and Ti Ricorderai who was making his first appearance over the 2400 meters distance, yet it was far from a surprise. A winner of the Gr1 Premio Dos Mil Guineas in September 2025, he was not beaten far when third to Apolo Rey in the Gr1 Premio St Leger. This time, he left Apolo Rey (CHI) to take third place and his jockey Luis Torres said:
“The race didn’t pan out as we thought it would, because he broke badly from the gate and we found ourselves too far back. However, I decided then to just take my time and to be patient. Thank God I know the horse, as we had prepared him well and I thought he would be in the race with strong claims. He really responds well when you look after him. So, I bided my time at the back and then when I asked him to go for it, he responded immediately and I was able to navigate him around the tired horses. He produced a really good effort right to the line.”
It is not the first time that the legendary Chilean jockey, who has more than 4000 victories to his name, as well as ten consecutive jockey championships, has won the Gr1 El Derby de Chile (he won it in 1999 with Val Gardena, in 2004 with Pel and in 2006 with Porfido) and he added:
“Winning El Derby is always special. Obviously the first derby is unforgettable, but this one is special as well and I’m thrilled with this achievement.”
Carlos Heller and his Stud El Tata, who owns the Haras Don Alberto bred four-year-old grey colt, was full of praise for the 53-year-old Luis Torres when he said:
“That was impressive. I’m really happy for the horse and his jockey Lucho (Luis) Torres, who really deserved this victory as he is an extraordinary professional. From the moment he went onto the track, the crowd gave him a standing ovation and Lucho deserves this. It’s a truly great victory and moment for Lucho Torres.”
And trainer Julio Orellana, who was recording back-to-back victories in this famous classic race, as well as a notable double after his charges Teao and Noche Sublime filled the first two positions on the podium, was equally emotional when he said:
“Last year we won it with Lucky Red and now we have managed to win it again, this time with Teao. It was an absolute incredible race. And it’s just pure magic to win the Derby two years in a row. I’m speechless.”Teao beat Noche Sublime by ½ a head (or short head by European standards), with Apolo Rey finishing a further 1 ½ lengths back in third. The winning time was 2:25.42
Video Courtesy of Valparaiso Sporting. Full Link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmVE9aV60ns&t=1401s&pp=ygUndmFscGFyYWlzbyBzcG9ydGluZyBlbCBkZXJieSBjaGlsZSAyMDI2
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