Francisco Vila Nova Retires U25 Horse Sir Saburo

Dressage

Portugal

Portuguese Under 25 team rider Francisco Vila Nova has retired his number one in the barn, Sir Saburo.

Sir Saburo is a 17-year old Westfalian by Sir Donnerhall out of Escapade (by Ehrentusch x Carte d'Or x Romadour II). He is bred by Horst Rumpf.

German Start

The chestnut began his career in sport under his German owner Manuela Gorski, who first competed him as a 6-year old in 2012. They made their debut at a local show in Reilingen.

In 2013 he was moved up to Prix St Georges level, alternating S* tests with M-level work but as of of 2015 he was consistently at small tour level. Gorski earned her golden rider's badge on this horse. The pair did its first Intermediaire II in May 2017 and their first classic Grand Prix test two months later.

Gorski's last start on Sir Saburo was in June 2018 after which the horse sold to Portugal.

Francisco Vila Nova

The Vila Nova family had acquired Sir Saburo as a Young Riders' horse for their son Francisco.

He made his international show debut at the CDI Abrantes in April 2019 and from there went to CDI's in Alter do Chao and Companhia das Lezirias to get selected on the Portuguese team for the 2019 European Young Riders Championships in San Giovanni in Marignano, where they were 47th in the individual test (66.382%)

In the autumn of 2019 the pair moved up to Under 25 Grand Prix level and competed at the CDI Lisbon, winning both rounds.

The combination further represented Portugal at two European Under 25 Championships. In 2020 they were 12th in the Kur to Music finals (71.050%) and in 2021 they were 17th in the Kur Finals (68.435%).

In 2022 they showed in Cascais, Beloura, Alter do Chao, Compiegne, Grote-Brogel, and Kronberg, but missed out on the 2022 European Under 25 Championships. The horses had an 8 month break from showing.

He returned to the arena in May 2023 at the CDI Samora Correia (Lezirias) to finish fifth twice. It was the horse's last international show.

The pair became the 2019 and 2021 Portuguese Under 25 Champions. They got silver in 2020 and 2022.

Retirement

Two weeks ago Vila Nova announced Sir Saburo's retirement from sport.

"Farewell to a true legend," he stated. "Sir Saburo, you've been my partner in an incredible journey that spanned 52 international starts, 26 podium finishes, 14 glorious wins, and 2-time National Champion titles. Representing Portugal in 3 European Championships, reaching the finals twice, and claiming the #1 spot in the world ranking – your achievements are unmatched. Thank you for the thousands of kilometers we've traveled together, each step a cherished memory. Here's to a well-deserved retirement, my friend."