by @turfeeunapolis
Mio Coraggio delivered a dominant performance to win the prestigious GP São Paulo, the opening leg of Brazil’s Quarter Horse Triple Crown Series. The final was contested on Saturday, October 11, at the Jockey Club de Sorocaba — South America’s premier Quarter Horse racetrack — and featured the leading 2022-born contenders in their freshman racing season.
The trials were held on September 27 with a total of 12 colts and fillies. Only the winners of each trial advanced to the final, which offered a purse of R$135,000 (US$25,430) over 330 yards (301 meters).

Saddled by Flavio Melo — Brazil’s reigning Champion Trainer of 2024 — Mio Coraggio showed significant improvement since his debut earlier this year. Despite entering as the third-fastest qualifier and not the betting favorite, the colt broke sharply, seized the lead shortly after the start, and powered away to an impressive gate-to-wire victory. Ridden by talented jockey Vicente Barros, he stopped the clock in 16.860 seconds, registering an SI-82 with a 2.1 mph tailwind.

The connections of Haras Prata, commanded by legendary breeder and owner Érico Braga, celebrated another major stakes victory. The operation, which is approaching its 50th anniversary, has invested heavily in importing U.S. broodmares to strengthen Brazil’s genetic base. Mio Coraggio is a prime example of this program: he is sired by Granite Lake (First Down Dash x Clever Miss, by Kaskaskia) — the most accomplished stallion in Brazilian history — out of Jess Because (Mr Jess Perry x Ally Bye Bye, by Chicks Beduino), a mare that has produced nine stakes winners, including Make Me (by Coronado Cartel), Brazil’s top filly of 2024, and G Force “Cantinero,” winner of Argentina’s prestigious Copa Challenger.
“He kept knocking on the door, but I told everyone in the barn this was going to be his race — he was feeling fantastic,” said winning jockey Vicente Barros, who continues to build an impressive stakes record at Sorocaba Racecourse.

Runner-up honors went to Encantada For Me PK (Corona For Me x Miss Encantada PK, by Tres Seis), the fastest qualifier. This was her third runner-up finish of 2025, adding to her placings in the Brazilian Futurity and ABQM Potro do Futuro, two of the richest races in South America.
Apollitical Jr (Apollitical Jess x Paint Your Lips, by Corona Cartel) finished third, also for Haras Prata, nearly securing a one-two finish for the same operation. Fourth place went to Lasvegas Cowgirl MRL, who lost her undefeated record after three consecutive victories. The Flying Cowboy 123 filly, out of White Zoom (by Shazoom), was bred by Haras Portofino and races for owner Roberto Sylvio Abdalla.
The second leg of Brazil’s Triple Crown Series is scheduled for October 25 with the trials of the GP Brasil at 400 yards (365 meters). Jockey Club de Sorocaba recently completed a major track renovation and has increased purse structures for 2026, reflecting the rapid growth of Quarter Horse racing in Brazil.



