Yuri Mansur has dedicated some emotional words to Vitiki after achieving with the veteran horse one of those major victories that was still missing from his sporting career. At 18 years of age and after nine seasons alongside the Brazilian rider, 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 the video of a horse that was for sale. What at the time seemed like a routine situation in the life of any rider ended up becoming the start of a story that, as he acknowledges, changed not only his own life, but also that of his family, his team and many of the people who have followed the horse over all these years.
Following this latest victory, the Brazilian reflected on the entire journey shared with Vitiki, comparing these nine years to a film full of highs and lows, but built fundamentally on trust, hard 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 complicated moments.
Following numerous standout results, Mansur acknowledged that a major victory of this kind was precisely what was missing from Vitiki's record. A triumph that has arrived when the horse is already 18 years old and in the final stage of his sporting career, giving the result even greater significance.
“That is why Vitiki is Vitiki. He breaks all barriers, all limits and all rules. He shows us that, when you believe, the best may still be to come, added the Brazilian rider.
Mansur closed his message by thanking the horse for everything they had experienced together over these past nine years: “Thank you, Vitiki, for being part of my life, my family and my team. This is your victory.”.
