2-Time AQHA South American Champion Fantastic Fly Apollo wins the final start of his racing career in the Grand Prêmio International State of Bela Vista on July. 27, 2025.

© Turfeeunapolis

By Leann Noguera, in collaboration with Flavinho, Turfe Eunapolis

MATO GROSSO DO SUL, BRAZIL–JULY 30, 2025–Fantastic Fly Apollo, a two-time AQHA South American Champion in 2020 and 2021, officially retired from racing on Sunday, July 27. He concluded his racing career in style with a victory in the Grande Prêmio Internacional at the Jockey Club de Bela Vista in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul.

The gray stallion, piloted by jockey Luan Pereira, completed the 350-yard race in a time of 17.621 seconds, closing the curtain on a distinguished racing career.

At eight years old, Fantastic Fly Apollo is a son of Fantastic Corona Jr, a stallion from the influential Corona Cartel sire line. He was bred by Haras Fazenda São José out of the mare Flyapolloeeyesa BR by Eyesa Special.

He campaigned under the ownership of Haras Rio Iguassu, a historically successful Brazilian Thoroughbred operation that has more recently turned its attention to Quarter Horse racing. He was also co-owned by Haras Três Climas, a partner in the ownership.

Throughout his racing career, Fantastic Fly Apollo established himself as one of the most consistent and successful horses to compete at the Jockey Club de Sorocaba—Brazil’s most prestigious Quarter Horse venue—where he recorded 11 victories, 8 runner-up finishes, and 2 third-place finishes from 21 starts. He amassed over $126,000 (USD) in earnings and posted a career-high speed index of 111.

Although he had two official starts in 2025 at Sorocaba, recording a win and a second-place effort, the most impactful stretch of his career came during his three- and four-year-old campaigns. His major stakes victories include the 2020 Sorocaba Futurity, GP Brasil, and the Champion of Champions—one of the most prestigious events in Brazilian Quarter Horse racing, held at the country’s premier racetrack.

He followed this success by the 2021 ABQM President’s Cup – II Derby and the Jockey Club de Sorocaba President’s Cup – III Derby. These wins played a central role in securing his consecutive AQHA South American Champion titles in 2020 and 2021.

Fantastic Fly Apollo with his trainer Revail Rosa. © Revail Rosa’s personal archive

Beyond Sorocaba, Fantastic Fly Apollo made his mark at racetracks across the country, notching several memorable victories—none more so than the final start of his career.

Fantastic Fly Apollo was trained throughout his entire career by Rivail Rosa, widely recognized as the most accomplished Brazilian Quarter Horse trainer of all time. “He’ll now get the well-deserved rest, and we’ll try to find some quality mares for breeding,” said Rosa.

Fantastic Fly Apollo will continue his career in the breeding shed during Brazil’s 2025 breeding season, which officially kicked off this month. While the specific stallion facility has yet to be confirmed, plans are underway for him to stand in the state of São Paulo.

Fantastic Wagon CFR, a 2022 colt out of Imperatriz Wagon MV, who won his debut earlier this year at Sorocaba.
© ALX Fotografia

His impact as a sire has already begun to surface, with his first foals now of racing age.

Among them is Fantastic Wagon CFR, a 2022 colt out of Imperatriz Wagon MV, who won his debut earlier this year at Sorocaba—providing an early glimpse into the potential of Fantastic Fly Apollo’s first crop.

Now fully retired from the racetrack, Fantastic Fly Apollo enters the next phase of his career with a strong pedigree, a proven race record, and encouraging early results from his offspring. These qualities make him a noteworthy addition to Brazil’s Quarter Horse stallion ranks at a pivotal time for the country’s breeding industry.

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