This year was filled with thrilling equestrian events. The trainers and jockeys, along with their equine partners, gave it all to finish in the top spot. It was a rollercoaster of a ride during the triple crown events, and Saratoga also witnessed some great equestrian performers this year. As the year draws to a close, horse riding enthusiasts have much more to look forward to, ensuring a staunch end to the year.

The most recent event that fans will get to witness will be the 2023 FTBOA Florida Sire Stake that is commencing on the grounds of a famed equestrian park on Saturday. Jose D’Angelo, a successful trainer who has had a great season so far and is set to continue his undefeated streak, is also participating in the race, making it an event to watch closely.

Can D’Angelo repeat the heroics again?

D’Angelo is looking to add another feather to his crown as his undefeated pair of Bentornato and Welcome Back will be lined up for the start on Saturday. As reported by the Paulick Report, D’Angelo is currently engaged in a cutting-edge competition for the Sunshine Meet training title. He, alongside Saffie Joseph Jr. and Victor Barboza Jr., guided King Leon Stable Corp.’s Bentornato to a commanding win in the Dr. Fager and steered Averill Racing and Two Eight Racing LLC’s Welcome Back to a narrow, fast-closing victory in the Desert Vixen.

With this remarkable performance, he was able to win the six-furlong first-leg races for young horses sired by accredited Florida stallions. Bentornato is going to be one of the favorites to win the equestrian event, in which a 12-horse field for the $200,000 affirmed is ready to commence over a distance of seven furlongs. Bentornato, the two-year-old colt, is already a well-established performer and boasts two stakes victories in his perfect three-race record. Both Bentornato and Welcome Back’s small but impactful careers are a highlight of these horses.

The careers of the equestrian prodigies

Bentornato’s lineage traces back to his sire, Valiant Minister, and his dam, Her Special Way Out. The young equestrian sensation is racing for his owner, Leon King Stable Corp. In three starts of his career so far, the colt finished at the numero uno spot in all three of them, bagging a career earning of $158,830. 

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While Welcome Back is a two-year-old filly who started her career in 2023 with Soldi Stable LLC. In two starts of her career, she has yet to be defeated, and her career is worth over $91,300. Her major stakes win includes the 2023 Florida Sire Desert Vixen (RS). With all those great stats, these two are definitely going to grab the crowd’s attention on Saturday.

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