By @Turfeeunapolis

SOROCABA, BRAZIL–AUGUST 4, 2026–FANTASTIC BEDUINO WA was crowned the winner of the GP ABQM Potro do Futuro, the most traditional Quarter Horse race in Brazil.

First contested in 1978, the race brings together a new generation of colts and fillies each season. This year’s edition drew 20 starters competing at 440 yards at the Jockey Club de Sorocaba, with total purses equivalent to US$89,000.

The trials were held on July 11, when seven horses earned their berths in the final, which was contested last Saturday, August 1.

Owner of the fastest qualifying time, 21.479 seconds, Fantastic Beduino WA entered the final after previously winning the Brazilian Futurity, the richest Quarter Horse race in South America. He was widely regarded as the horse to beat.

Following the break, the 594-kilogram colt, approximately 1,309 pounds, did not produce one of the fastest starts and dropped as far back as sixth. He then faced the challenge of completing a comeback that needed to be nearly perfect.

Passing his rivals one by one, Fantastic Beduino WA drew alongside race leader Harry Verde near the 350-yard mark. He moved past without much resistance and opened enough of an advantage to secure the championship, stopping the clock in 21.477 seconds.

The winning time was two thousandths of a second faster than the mark he recorded during the trials.

“This moment will be unforgettable because I was able to fulfill a dream and provide all of this for my father, Sylvio Wagih Abdalla, who taught me everything,” said an emotional breeder and owner Roberto Sylvio Abdalla. “Winning the Potro do Futuro is the ultimate achievement for any breeder. It is the greatest title a breeding operation can earn.

“It is the result of tireless work, and I owe it to many people: my wife, Fabiane Abdalla, the highly capable team at Haras Fazenda Regina and so many other friends who support us.”

Abdalla honored his greatest inspiration with a banner displaying the message, “Thank you, Dad! We did it!”

Foaled in July 2023, Fantastic Beduino WA is a son of Fantastic Corona Jr, a leading sire in Brazil who was bred in the United States by legendary Brazilian horseman Gianni Franco Samaja.

His dam is the young broodmare Cristal Granite, by Granite Lake. She has produced only two starters, both winners, maintaining a perfect 100% record.

The barn of trainer I. Nascimento, widely known as “Guaxinim,” is enjoying a historic season, winning titles for different breeders, owners and bloodlines while demonstrating the versatility of an operation that continues to produce results in the leading races at the Jockey Club de Sorocaba.

This year alone, he has won the Brazilian Futurity, the Gran Prix Torneio Início, the Super Sprint and now the ABQM Potro do Futuro, considering only the highest-level stakes races.

“I am very grateful to God, my family and my team for everything that has happened in my life,” Guaxinim said.

The trainer saddled two finalists in the ABQM Potro do Futuro, as Expresso Lake STM, who finished fourth, was also under his care.

Saturday, August 1, will also be remembered forever by jockey Vicente Barros, who won six races on the card and capped the day with the most important victory of all, the ABQM Potro do Futuro.

Born in the state of Ceará, in northeastern Brazil, Barros moved into first place in the jockey standings following his six victories and is approaching R$800,000, equivalent to approximately US$156,000, in total earnings.

“He did not break well and fell far behind, but he came on very strongly later and was phenomenal, especially over the final 100 meters,” Barros said of his mount.

Nicknamed “The Predestined One,” Fantastic Beduino WA received the moniker from Sorocaba’s official announcer, Marcelo Pardini.

The nickname is fitting. The 3-year-old colt was once returned to his breeder, Roberto Sylvio Abdalla, after payments were not honored following his sale at auction.

Fantastic Beduino WA remains undefeated in four starts and has earned R$816,000, equivalent to approximately US$159,000.

For renowned veterinarian Dr. Dudu Limongi, the victory marked his 10th title in the ABQM Potro do Futuro.

“Every great horse has a story, just like the unique story of Fantastic Beduino that has already been mentioned,” Limongi said. “He had already shown his potential in the Brazilian and entered as the clear favorite. Now he has confirmed it in the Potro do Futuro.

“Even after breaking poorly, he showed that he is different and has established himself as the best colt of the year.”

Harry Verde finished second in the 49th running of the ABQM Potro do Futuro. Owned by Royal Ranch, he is trained by J. C. Jesus and was ridden by A. Raynan.

Bred by Mauro Ely Zaborowski’s Haras Vista Verde, Harry Verde is a son of American champion and All American Futurity track-record holder No Secrets Here. His dam is Witch Vista, by Shazoom.

Blacktag finished third to complete the podium. The son of Desirio and Guapa Negra, by Granite Lake, had previously won the America Futurity.

Trained by Alan Mendes, Blacktag was ridden by J. D. Pereira for Paraguayan owner Denis Ortigoza.

The remaining order of finish was Expresso Lake STM in fourth, Hitchcock Verde in fifth, Darling’s SA in sixth and Mr Apollitical HW in seventh.

Granite Surprise won the Juvenile division of the ABQM Potro do Futuro, also contested at 440 yards, with total purses equivalent to US$18,000.

The filly, by Granite Lake out of Sign Easy, by Signed To Fly, is trained by M. Artemam and was also ridden by Vicente Barros, the winning jockey aboard Fantastic Beduino WA in the main final.

Owned by Carlos Godoy’s Haras Andrea Carolina, Granite Surprise was bred by Érico Braga’s Haras Prata.

Haras Prata bred the top two finishers in the Juvenile, as Red Feature, by Red Hawk Cartel out of Featuringmissjess, by Mr Jess Perry, finished second.

Jonatan Weisheimer, president of the Jockey Club de Sorocaba, once again praised the success of the racing program at South America’s leading Quarter Horse racetrack.

“We had a total of 15 races on the day without a single incident,” Weisheimer said. “That is what we always want, and that is why we work to provide a well-maintained track and properly distributed purses.

“We are planning many more attractions in the future so that we can continue expanding attendance and audience engagement.”

Racing at Sorocaba will resume on August 15 with the final of the GP Taça de Prata.

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