In a second interview with Antonio Sanos, the warmth and the genuineness of the Sanos family came across every step of the way as we work together to put together the interview, during a very busy period.
However, as always the family shows graciousness and answers every request.
The celebrated conditioner now competes in the Dubai World Cup as an American citizen. The Venezuelan enjoyed success training in his home country before moving to the U.S. He is now based out of South Florida where Gunnevera is trained.
Antonio Sanos chats to Ten Furlongs about his memorable journey, bringing him back to the Dubai World Cup 2019 at Meydan:
Q: What does winning on Dubai World Cup night mean to you?
A: Winning the Dubai World Cup would mean achieving one of the greatest milestones of my career. It will also mean a great achievement for both Venezuela and the United States. Venezuela was the country that gave me all the tools that I needed to be who I’m today, and thus I’m extremely grateful. Right now it’s going through very turmoil moments, and an accomplishment like this one would definitely give hope to the nation. If we win the race, the memories of that day will be everlasting. There are no words that can describe the feeling of raising the Cup in Meydan.
Q: How valuable do you think ‘trust, teamwork and respect’ are for you as a trainer?
A: I believe that in order to be successful and participate in the highest level of competition in this sport, one must be humble and always recognize the hard work of the team. Trust, teamwork, and respect are pivotal parts of the industry.
Q: When you started racing your horses in the truly iconic races in this world, from those first skirmishes which one(s) do you remember the most?
A: Horseracing is a passion that’s been in my family throughout generations. I’m third Generation horsemen, and I value all horses equally, from the claiming to Group Ones. But I would say that the race that I will never forget would be the 2017 Gr.1 Kentucky Derby with Gunnevera. He was the first horse that I ever took to the derby, and he gave me an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life.
Q: Who is the person who inspires you the most in the world of racing?
A: The person that inspires me the most in the world of racing would be my father “Salvatore Sano Sano.” He is the smartest person that I’ve ever met, and always has huge confidence in me and my horses. Winning this race will bring so much excitement!
Q: Which horse would you say is your favourite horse, in the whole world and why?
A: This might be a little bias, but my favourite horse in the whole world would be “Gunnevera.” He is an Iron horse that has “Dance every Dance.” From winning graded stakes at the age of two, to participate in the Triple Crown trail, and to even bring me across the Atlantic to Dubai. He is always so enthusiastic when training in the mornings; it’s a horse with so much class and talent. I can’t wait to see him win his first Gr.1; I’m hopeful that the Dubai World Cup could become his first.
Q: What do you enjoy most about racing at Meydan?
A: What I enjoy the most about racing at Meydan is how well foreign horses are treated both when race day comes, and in the quarantine areas. They are given the top of the class amenities and are treated like the champions they are.
Q: After Dubai World Cup night where will your horse be pointed to next?
A: After the Dubai World Cup, we will go back to Florida and give him some rest before starting his summer campaign. Thus far we are aiming to Gr.1 races in Saratoga.
Q: Tell us more about the values you feel define your Passion for Racing and how do you see them working for you in real life?
A: I would describe Passion by those values. Continuously moving forward, Innovating, and Improving is what we see that success in this industry is all about. The excitement that one gets when winning a race is something indescribable. The adrenaline that runs in the body, the happiness of the barn team, and the feeling of ebullience in the horse is an extraordinary moment.
Q: How did you start out in racing and what is on your bucket list of races to win over the next decade to 2030?
A: I started out in racing by graduating as a trainer in the “Trainer’s Academy” in Valencia, Venezuela. There with the help of my father, who was the track manager at the time, I was able to have a very successful start. Thus still have the record of most wins in the country by any trainer, 3,337 victories. On my bucket list some of the top races I wish to win include the Kentucky Derby, Dubai World Cup, and Pegasus World Cup. They are known as the most prestigious races in the world, and It would mean a lot to me to attain one of those trophies. Hopefully, the Dubai World Cup will be the first thing in the bucket list to be marked.
Published In Dubai World Cup Gold Souvenir 2019
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Credit: Pallavi Shevade pallavi.shevade@secretariatsworld.com