Vila de Sagres' Hercules d'Atela and Roberto Brasil Make Headway as Medium Tour Winners at CDI Las Cadenas

Shows

2022 CDI Camarma de Esteruelas

Portuguese Roberto Brasil and Vila de Sagres' Lusitano stallion Hercules d'Atela are making headway this 2022 show season, clocking four international victories in seven classes at medium tour level.

The 9-year old rising Grand Prix stallion Hercules d'Atela (by Soberano out of Vaqueja d'Atela) is given plenty of time to mature in the Grand Prix work and has been kept at medium tour level on purpose for him to gain confidence and strength along the way.

This strategy is clearly paying off because at the most recent CDI Camarma de Esteruelas at Las Cadenas equestrian centre in Madrid, Spain, he posted his first international 70+ score in the Intermediaire A/B freestyle.

Hot in the City

The 2022 CDI Camarma de Esteruelas took place on 13 - 15 May 2022 and presented its own particular challenges with excruciating heat affecting riders and horses at the show. Roberto rode Hercules d'Atela in three medium tour classes, achieving their best form in the last test, the freestyle.

"Madrid was a roller coaster," Brasil said with a smile. "We did a good test on the first day, but the scores didn’t show up. On the second day it was very hot and I felt Hercules was ready to go home, but on the last day he was with me the entire time. I was very happy because I had decided not to leave Madrid without breaking the 70 barrier and we did it. It was my best ride on him so far! He was fantastic and still with so much to improve."

Hercules has competed in three CDI's so far this 2022 show season, starting his campaign at the CDI Abrantes, where he won the Inter A, and then to the CDI Beloura, where the horse proved consistency in the show ring.

On the Move

The last few months much has changed in Roberto's life and that of his horses, which are owned by the Brazilian company Vila de Sagres. Not only did they move barn in Portugal, but there was also a trainer switch.

"In February we moved to our new stable in Costa da Caparica, owned by the Caetano family," said Roberto. "I always had a good relation with the Caetano family and when the opportunity came along we felt it was the best thing for all of us. I’m super happy with the change as now we are 5 minutes from the ocean and 15 minutes from Lisbon airport."

Kyra Kyrklund

In February Brasil and Hercules d'Atela became senior B-squad listed after the first training camp of the year with team coach and legendary Finnish Olympian Kyra Kyrklund. This training camp was a source of inspiration for Roberto, who approached Kyra for more intensive coaching on a regular basis.

Hercules at the 2022 CDI Beloura
(Photo © Carolina Duarte)

"I have been riding with her every week at home, and I’m loving it," he said. "Kyra is without a doubt the best in the world. She is a super trainer and a super rider. She sees things before we even know they are there. She pushes me every day to do it better and better, and it is working. Our progress has been noticed and the 71.145% score in Madrid would not have happened without her help. I do hope this relationship lasts for many years to come."

Looking Ahead

Brasil is giving Hercules all the time he needs to mature into a reliable Grand Prix horse. This year is considered another building year and hopefully in 2024 they can try for the Paris Olympic Games.

"Hercules is growing in the ring every day and I have been patient and fair with him. I don’t plan on changing it," said Roberto.

Tiago and Jumbo dos Diamantes at the CDI Alter,
congratulated by judge Hans-Christian Matthiesen
(Photo © Rui Pedro Godinho)

In the near future, Brasil plans to compete more of his horses, including moving Junior Rubi d'Ilheu (by Rubi x Oceano) up to medium tour. In addition he's bringing along his youngsters, 6-year olds Menta d'Atela (by Escorial), and Bella Prime (by Bravissimo x Furst Piccolo), as well as Victory Prime (by Veneno HC) with whom he won the 5-year old division at the 2021 CDI Abrantes.

Roberto's student Tiago Andre Ferreira (17) and Vila de Sagres' 8-year old Lusitano Jumbo dos Diamantes (by Xerife Dos Diamantes) are vying for a team spot for the 2022 European Junior Riders Championships in Hartpury in July.

"I'm so happy with our student Tiago. He is doing a super good job with Jumbo. They did four CDI's so far and were third three times already. At his last CDI in Madrid he went from an 8th place on day one to a 4th place on Sunday in a field of 18 kids."

The Brazilian Connection

Roberto stays in close contact with his Brazilian sponsor and owner of his horse, Vila de Sagres, a Lusitano breeding farm which is the nursery of his future talent.

Joao Nogueira and Noturno do Sagres (by
Continente) posted 76% in their first test in Brazil
(Photo © Rita Vitorino)

"In Brazil our youngsters are doing great," he explained. "We have a lot of offspring by Hercules and I love them all. I rode a few already when I was there last month and they are amazing. Our team is doing a great job there under Joao Nogueira. We took a few of them out in to a national show and they all scored over 70 in their first show. I’m very excited about what is coming."