Yuri Mansur dedicated some heartfelt words to Vitiki after achieving, alongside the veteran horse, one of those major victories that was still missing from his sporting career. At 18 years old and after nine seasons with the Brazilian jockey, Vitiki continues to demonstrate his ability to compete at the highest level and write new chapters in a career marked by perseverance.
Mansur recalled that it all began nine years ago when he received a video of a horse that was for sale. What seemed like a typical situation for any rider at the time ended up becoming the start of a story that, he acknowledges, changed not only his own life, but also the lives of his family, his team, and many of the people who have followed the horse throughout these years.
After this latest victory, the Brazilian reflected on the entire journey alongside Vitiki, comparing these nine years to a film full of good and bad moments, but fundamentally built on trust, work, complicity and affection.
“Vitiki isn’t the best horse in the world, but what makes him so special is his perseverance, his resilience, and his love for what he does and for his family,” Mansur explained. The rider also highlighted everything the horse has taught him during their time together, especially the ability to overcome difficulties and find solutions in the most challenging moments.
After numerous impressive results, Mansur acknowledged that a major victory of this kind was precisely what was missing from Vitiki's record. This triumph, which has come at the age of 18 and in the final stage of his racing career, lends even greater significance to the result.
“That’s why Vitiki is Vitiki. She breaks all barriers, all limits, and all rules. She shows us that when you believe, the best is yet to come,” added the Brazilian rider.
Mansur closed his message by thanking the horse for everything they had experienced during these nine years: “Thank you, Vitiki, for being part of my life, my family, and my team. This is your victory.”
