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| Staff Writer |
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Ramiro Restrepo of Marquee Bloodstock achieved a lifelong dream when Mage, a horse he co-owned, triumphed in the Kentucky Derby (2023), solidifying his name as synonymous with success in the horse racing industry.
This triumph, also, solidified his belief in his ability to identify top-tier horses. At Fasig-Tipton’s recent 2YO sale in Timonium, Restrepo's discerning eye led him to bid high on Hip 26, a filly by Bolt d'Oro teaming up with MyRacehorse, the co-owners of the 2024 Kentucky Derby winner - Seize The Grey.
“MyRacehorse is a pretty big international syndicate of shareholders and I decided to partner up with them on her.
“It kind of felt something organically pretty cool that I won the Kentucky Derby before and they won the Preakness this year. So, it was almost like two classic winning connections coming together to partner on a horse story,” he explained.
Restrepo was confident that Hip26 offered a unique combination of exceptional talent and proven experience, raising high hopes for the filly's development and future racing success.
“She was very professional with her size and scope and her stretch. She was quite a physical specimen. The first thing that caught my attention was just watching her behave so professionally in the pre-ring. Restrepo explains.
“Unlike many youngsters in an unfamiliar environment, she even acted like an older horse. That was the first thing that caught my attention. Her attitude, and her physical size and scope- just very strong were impressive for me.
“The rider just sat still and let her do everything within herself and she had a very pretty stride with a very nice stretch in her motion.
“Medically she was absolutely pristine and perfect. Not even one singular issue on her vet report.
The filly will be entrusted to Gustavo Delgado, the trainer who guided Restrepo's 2023 Derby champion.
Alongside Ramiro Restrepo has enthusiasm and thrill for international horse racing is reflected in his increasing interest in global horse racing events, especially in the Middle East and the opportunities this presents for his clients.
"I've been to Saudi Arabia twice now, and I've met with some very interesting people who are passionate about racing," Restrepo said.
"We've discussed ideas on working together, and I've privately sold them a few horses that have gone on to win group one races in Saudi Arabia."
He also highlighted his visits to Dubai, where he participated in the Godolphin Mile and sold horses after the races.
Additionally, he mentioned his trip to Bahrain last year, where he met with individuals who shared his passion for racing.
"The Middle East market is so passionate about racing," Restrepo emphasized.
"They're really appreciative of the 2YO sale, which offers them the opportunity to purchase horses that can run on surfaces they'll be competing on. It's fantastic to see how internationals can connect and participate in horse racing."
Restrepo plans to spend several months in Dubai this winter, where he'll be based and able to travel to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and other jurisdictions to further develop relationships and opportunities.
He believes that the Middle East is expanding its presence in the sport, with projects like the 2030 vision in Saudi Arabia and the construction of new facilities.
"The passion for advancement and development in the Middle East is astonishing," Restrepo said.
"It's something that I'd love to be a part of. I've made a commitment to spend at least a quarter of my calendar year immersed in the market and exploring opportunities."
As the world of horse racing becomes increasingly international, Restrepo believes that providing transparency, opportunities, and information is crucial for clients abroad. When clients feel comfortable and have access to information, they're more likely to participate in horse racing.
"It's not just about horse racing; the Middle East is expanding its presence in the sport, technology, and culture," Restrepo concluded. "It's incredible to see how passionate they are about advancement and development."
Ramiro’s childhood experiences and influences laid the foundation for his vigilance and keenness reflecting on his industry expertise.
“I’ve been around Thoroughbreds for as long as I can remember. My grandfather who immigrated to America in the late 1960s, introduced me to the world of Horse Racing. The sport is in my blood, with generations of horsemen in my family from South America, specifically Colombia. I'm proud to represent the fifth generation of horsemen," shared Restrepo.
Growing up, Restrepo spent his time at racetracks such as Saratoga, Belmont, and Aqueduct in New York, where he developed a deep connection to the magnificent horses and thrilling races.
He recalled, "The first serious horse-related experiences for me were reading about horses in publications and watching races between New York and Miami, Florida, where Gulfstream Park is located. I was fascinated by the beauty of the horses and the excitement of the races."
As a child, Restrepo's passion for horse racing was evident in his choice of reading material. Instead of watching cartoons, he preferred to watch horse races and read publications like The BloodHorse. He reminisced about the famous horses of the 1980s like John Henry, Swale, and Chief's Crown, who left a lasting impression on him and fuelled his passion for the sport.
Reflecting on his early influences and experiences, Restrepo acknowledged the impact they've had on his career in the industry. "Children absorb information at a young age like sponges. Being exposed to horse racing and around racehorses from a young age helped me develop a keen eye for their conformation, motion, and pedigree," he explained.
Restrepo attributes much of his thirst for knowledge about the wider world of racing to a book (A Jockey's Life) gifted to him by his uncle at the age of twelve, which chronicled the life of celebrated international jockey, Lester Piggott. The book opened his eyes to the magic of the international world of racing and sparked his interest in exploring opportunities beyond borders.
It is interesting that the thoroughbred broker possesses a keen eye for selecting horses and places significant emphasis on the residual value of the horses he decides to purchase.
"I don't think to just buy a horse. I like to buy when I get an amazing feeling that there's something special there," he indicated.
From the equine acquisition specialist’s personal point of view and his taste for all horses, whether colt or filly, he likes to see pedigree. He prefers to see horses in the second and third dam that he recognises and that have achieved significant successes on the racetrack, such as winning big races and the kind of action that signifies strong performance.
“I like to see families of runners. I don't necessarily need them to be all Grade One winners. It's great if they have some black type in the second or third dams,” he added.
He enjoys identifying with these families, recalling who have shown remarkable characteristics, whether they were strong front runners, closed like a freight train, or had the heart of a lion.
“I believe that those kinds of traits pass on and I like to see that. so of course, naturally for fillies that does carry on to the residual value”.
Restrepo's Ambitious Plans
Ramiro Restrepo's global perspective has had a profound impact on his career and the opportunities he offers to his syndicate partners.
He emphasizes the importance of staying knowledgeable about the origins and development of various breeds across the world, advising, "There are always fresh stallions and good broodmares. Continue studying the origins and basis of the breeds across the globe."
With his global outlook, Restrepo is able to provide unique opportunities to clients who want to race in different markets. He has set his sights on achieving prestigious wins, including the Triple Crown and Belmont Stakes.
Restrepo confirmed that he is constantly on the move, with horse sales and races taking place around the world without pause.
"The sales don't stop," he said, highlighting the relentless nature of the industry.
Restrepo's busy schedule extends beyond summer, with yearling sales in September and October, including the Goffs sale in Ireland. He likened the racing calendar to an "amazing carnival ride of attraction which never stops," with events and sales taking place continuously around the world.