WITHIN THE WINNERS CIRCLE: THE GALLOP OF STEFANO BOTTI

A predestined man. Fifteen championships won as a gentleman rider, seven as a trainer. Son of art. Stefano Botti, a successful trainer, belongs to a family that has been monopolising Italian galloping for half a century now. The Centro di Cenaia is his base. In 2024 he won the trainer classification over Endo Botti- Cristiana Brivio and Bruno Grizzetti.

Stefano, was being a trainer a forced choice?

It wasn't a forced choice. When I was a gentleman I was already training my horses. I can say that it was a natural choice. I wanted to do this job.

You are the son of Alduino, Marco's brother who works in England. A cousin of Endo and Alessandro, the latter has been training in France for years. Your uncle is Giuseppe Botti. More like a clan than a family. In Europe there are no families as deep-rooted as yours. Right?

Yes, I think it's a record.

In Italy you are the leader of the category. How many horses do you own?

Between foals and racehorses about 250.

Who do you currently bet on among your pupils?

For the males the two-year-old Lao Tzu, son of Kodiac, and for the females Sun Never Sets, second to the Oaks and Lydia Tesio.

When you were riding what was your favourite horse?

Glacial Dix above all.

How stressful is it for you to always be on top?

It's very stressful because you have to prove yourself every day. You have to get used to criticism, but I understand that it's part of the game.

Speaking of criticism: how do you react?

Criticism is constructive if it is done in the right way and in the right tone. If they are made by people who know what they are saying and whom I respect, I gladly listen to them, while I ignore those that are out of the blue.

Is it a job that absorbs you completely?

Yes. Precisely for the reasons I told you and then because the number of my pupils is enormous. I watch the races on TV. That's fundamental. Apart from horse racing I don't have time for much else. Maybe to support Juventus.

What are your thoughts on the difficult moment that Italian horse racing is going through? On the downgrading or elimination of Grand Prix or Listed?

It is politics that must give us answers. We too need reference points to hold on to. Sometimes this is lacking.

Can you tell me about your relationship with the jockeys with whom you have collaborated or collaborate?

We don't have a regular jockey. I have had relations with Mario Sanna, who has good hands for certain horses. With Dario Vargiu. Dario Di Tocco. Now I collaborate with a boy who seems to have what it takes to do this job: Maikol Arras. For me a promise.

Since you have ridden, is it easier for you to communicate with the jockeys?

Having raced in the past is an advantage. In fact, I have a perfectly clear perception of what a professional rider feels when racing. It's also true that when one of my collaborators makes excuses or alibis for a mistake he has made, I find out immediately. I keep an eye on everything.

After so many successful goals, what is your dream?

To carry on the family tradition, which has reached a total of fifty championships, although it won't be an easy task. The material available is perhaps a little poorer than in the past. To continue to compare myself with my father, who remains my mentor, and to win abroad. Otherwise I can consider myself a lucky man, I am doing the job I have always dreamed of doing. I feel like a chosen one, no use denying it.