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The Botti family dynasty

When passion and high commitment meet family unity, the potential to build an empire emerges. For generations, the Botti family has been a pillar in the world of Italian horse racing, where a passion for horses is passed down through a deeply rooted family heritage. The blood ties among family members have not only strengthened their personal unity but have also solidified their commitment to the Italian racing world. Two brothers, born and raised in the stables of San Siro, have become mentors to their children, instilling in them the same unconditional love for horses and competition. The story of the Botti family is not just a tale of success and trophies; it is also a profound expression of family dedication and shared passion that continues through the generations.

The racing traditions of the Botti family can be traced back to around 1860, deeply embedded in their maternal lineage with the first English settlers in Pisa, heralding a longstanding equine legacy.

Edmondo Botti, the patriarch, first made a name for himself as a steeplechase jockey before transitioning into a revered trainer. His sons, Alduino and Giuseppe Botti, inherited this fervent passion for horse racing. Giuseppe initially pursued a career as a steeplechase jockey, while Alduino excelled as a flat race jockey, quickly making a mark by winning Group 1 races. 

Tragedy struck when their father, Edmondo, died in a road accident while returning from the races in Livorno. This pivotal moment deeply affected both brothers, who, encouraged by the owners of the stables their father had trained at, decided to step into their father’s shoes as trainers. This decision marked the beginning of a new era for the Botti family, as they combined their inherited skills and passion to build on the legacy left by their father.

In 1971, the Botti brothers started their training career in the San Siro training centre. From the outset of their careers as trainers, they quickly achieved notable success; by 1973, they had won their first Italian trainers' championship. From that point onwards, they have been a dominant force in the Italian horse racing scene, missing the top spot in only two out of forty-nine championships. 

All the horses under their care were and in part still are trained at the Trenno tracks, part of the San Siro training centre, where they employ a personalised approach tailored to the needs of each horse. This customised training methodology ensured that each horse could achieve its full potential.

Reflecting on the dedication required for such success, Alduino Botti shared, "I must be honest, we always gave it our all. We knew neither holidays or festivals and always strived to work hard and learn new things." He further illustrated his commitment to excellence through a personal anecdote involving Sirlad, a horse that won multiple Group races, "Back when [Trainer] Benetti was working with Sirlad at the stables in San Siro, I made it a point to attend all the training sessions to understand how he managed the horse, so that I could understand what type of training required a horse like that”.

The Botti brothers' methodology was also significantly influenced by their international experiences. They regularly attended and purchased at the sales in the UK, Ireland, and Kentucky, which allowed them in the mornings to observe and learn from foreign training methods, "We woke up early and watched how other stables operated, observing their work routines and how long the horses were trained outdoors." This exposure was crucial. Although Italian tracks were not conducive to the type of training prevalent in England, the exposure and inspiration from abroad had a significant impact on their method. In fact, the iconic Warren Hill track at Newmarket has inspired the design of their new track in their training centre in Cenaia, in Tuscany. 

The improvement in results and the champions they have trained, such as Ramonti, Miss Gris, Val d'Erica, Maria Welaska, My Top, and Crackerjack King, not only reaffirmed the Botti brothers' prowess in horse training but also paved the way for them to venture into breeding. "Breeding has always been my passion," Alduino remarks. The decision to start breeding was a natural progression, using mares that they had previously trained. "Having trained them, you know exactly their strengths and weaknesses, which helps in choosing the right crosses," Alduino explains.

The expansion into breeding initially led the Botti brothers to acquire an ex-breeding farm in Cenaia. Originally dedicated to raising their mares and foals, Giuseppe, after a thorough study of the ground and geographical location, had the insight to build an uphill training track there. The facility was first transformed into a pre-training centre. Later, Stefano, Alduino's son, decided to establish his training operations there, and it has since become one of the premier private training centres in Italy. As for the breeding operations, the brothers later purchased another site which continues to serve as their breeding farm, known as "Razza del Velino."

This strategic expansion reflects the Botti family's deep commitment to excellence in both training and breeding, positioning them as key figures in the Italian and international racing scenes.

The Botti family’s passion for horse racing spans generations, with each member continuing to honour and expand upon their rich heritage. Alduino's sons, Marco and Stefano, and Giuseppe's sons, Alessandro and Edmondo, have all embraced their forebears' calling in the world of horse racing.

MARCO

Marco began his career as an apprentice but had to step away due to weight restrictions. He then joined his father at their stable in Milan as an assistant. Seeking to expand his horizons, Marco moved to Newmarket, to work under trainers Luca Cumani and Ed Dunlop, and was also part of the prestigious Godolphin team. These experiences deeply influenced his training style, leading Marco and his wife Lucie to establish their own training facility, "Prestige Place," in the UK. Adapting to British racing conditions was essential, and Marco's time in Newmarket was crucial. Despite the physical distance from Italy, Marco maintains strong ties with his family. He underscores the strength of these bonds, stating, "Distance has strengthened our union. I often attend sales to purchase horses for my brother Stefano. We frequently exchange advice and, with the owners' consent, decide whether a horse is better suited to race in England or Italy." 

This strategic collaboration recently led to the success of Folgaria, an unbeaten Italian mare brought to the UK by Marco, who continued her victorious streak by winning the Gp.3 (Fred Darling) Dubai Duty Free Stakes. The enduring bond between Marco and Stefano not only highlights their personal connection but also enhances their professional successes, underlining the strength of family ties in achieving shared goals.

STEFANO

"Ever since I was a child, I have followed every step of my father; horses have always been part of my daily life," Stefano Botti reminisces. By the age of 16, he had obtained his amateur jockey licence and began dominating the field, winning the championship for 15 consecutive years from his second year. His deep involvement in studying races, programs and following training sessions not only fueled his passion but also equipped him for a successful transition to training. During winters, Stefano would relocate to Tuscany to join his father and uncle's stable until he finally settled permanently in Cenaia. Initially, Cenaia served as a pre-training centre where Stefano trained the foals that were later prepared at San Siro. 

Over time, the centre expanded significantly, adding two uphill training tracks, one 800-metre woodchip and a 1000-metre all-weather track. This development significantly altered the family’s training approach. "It used to seem that without Milan or Rome, training a horse was difficult, especially without grass tracks. But since moving here, things have turned around. I've trained top horses like Ramonti, achieving third in a Group 1 race in Hong Kong," Stefano explains. The uphill tracks are particularly beneficial for preparing young horses by reducing strain on their forelimbs and enhancing their hindquarters, which Stefano notes makes them nearly always ready at debut. Today, Cenaia is home to about 125 horses, with plans to expand. This innovative approach has led to numerous successes, including wins abroad, such as the Derby in Qatar. 

Stefano's relationship with his father remains a cornerstone of his career, "My father is my role model, many of my successes are due to his teachings," reflecting the ongoing collaboration between the San Siro and Cenaia stables towards a unified strategy.

ALESSANDRO 

Alessandro Botti embraced his equestrian calling from an early age. Although his initial stint as a jockey was short-lived due to weight constraints, he didn't stray far from the racetrack, choosing instead to work alongside his father and uncle in the family stables. Driven by a spirit of adventure and a desire for new challenges, Alessandro made the bold decision to relocate and establish his training career in France. "It wasn't easy because I lacked nothing at home, but I've always thrived on competition, and this desire pushed me to explore new horizons," he explains. 

Today, Alessandro runs a stable in Chantilly, managing approximately 70 horses with the help of his wife. Together, they have celebrated numerous triumphs, accumulating around 500 wins. Alessandro’s future seems firmly rooted in France, a country where he has found both success and satisfaction.

Edmondo

Edmondo has been passionate about horse racing from a young age, famously stating, "I grew up on bread and horses." He began his career as a flat race jockey in 1989 and quickly made his mark by winning his first championship in 1992. After a brief retirement in 2000, his love for the sport reignited, leading to a triumphant return in 2003 where he claimed victories at both the Italian Derby and the Parioli, and rode notable horses like Electrocutionist and Ramonti. 

In 2008, Edmondo transitioned to training, partnering with his wife Cristiana Brivio to manage their stable in San Rossore. Together, they've enjoyed significant success, training approximately 130 horses and consistently winning important races both in Italy and internationally. Committed to their enchanting training grounds, Edmondo continues to cherish the Italian racing life, saying, "We train in a magical place, and it would be a shame to give it all up."

THE BOTTI BROTHERS TODAY 

Today, the Botti brothers continue to make significant contributions to the world of horse racing, each in their own unique way. Alduino remains actively involved in training at San Siro, working closely with his son Stefano to maintain and enhance their training operations. 

Together, they form a dynamic team, perpetuating the Botti family's legacy of excellence in horse racing. Meanwhile, Giuseppe has transitioned his focus towards a more social and political role within the industry. 

Faced with the challenges currently besetting Italian horse racing, Giuseppe has voiced his commitment to revitalising the sport that has given him so much. "I want to contribute by giving a new face to Italian horse racing, which has given me everything. Now it's my turn to give back," he declares. 

Having lived through and witnessed the transformation of Italian horse racing across various generations as trainers, breeders, and owners, both brothers are acutely aware of the sport’s current crisis. "It pains me to see the state of racing today, remembering a time when there was much more passion" Alduino reflects. The decline in public interest has led to decreased national investment, resulting in the closure of many racetracks and a troubling downturn in breeding. "We decided to increase our breeding activities, reaching a high number of broodmares, but the industry’s decline is forcing us to cut back" Alduino adds, highlighting a severe issue that could impact Italy's future international prominence in racing.

Giuseppe, despite recognising the dire situation, feels a duty to contribute to a revival of the sport that can inject new vitality. "We must not surrender to this situation; we need to stay current as trends change, but we must also draw people back to the races," he asserts. Emphasising the importance of shifting the narrative from betting to promoting the sport and the passion surrounding horse racing, Giuseppe suggests, "Race tracks should become city theatres, places of community gathering for individuals and families."

Faced with the challenges currently besetting Italian horse racing, Giuseppe has voiced his commitment to revitalising the sport that has given him so much. "I want to contribute by giving a new face to Italian horse racing, which has given me everything. Now it's my turn to give back," he declares. To this end, he serves as vice president of the "Final Furlong" association, which aims to promote horse racing on a national scale. This organisation focuses on more socially conscious initiatives, such as the rehabilitation of retired racehorses for integration into Italian equestrian tourism and engaging schools to introduce young people to the marvels of horse racing. Moreover, Giuseppe stresses the need to "engage young people by introducing school opportunities that can lead them to appreciate horse racing and, perhaps, make it a part of their future." 

Another concerning issue for the brothers is the decreased Italian participation on the international horse racing scene. Both recognise the necessity to reassert Italy and especially its races as a point of interest for other countries. "Competing with others strengthens us; it not only helps our ratings but also allows us to gauge the level of our horse racing and how we can improve" says Giuseppe.

Both brothers hope for a turnaround and improvement in the industry, emphasising the need for strong commitment from everyone involved, breeders, trainers, and owners, to achieve this goal.

This narrative captures the essence of a family whose life and soul are entwined with the sport of horse racing, making it their life's work and passion. The Botti family has not only excelled in the field but has also passed down a love for the sport through generations. The future looks promising as the passion for horse racing seems to be a lasting trait in the family. 

Marco, Stefano, Edmondo, and Alessandro's children also exhibit a keen interest in continuing the family tradition. Thus, the legacy of the Botti family is far from reaching its final chapter, with more stories yet to unfold in the racing world.

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Valfredo Valiani - we profile the successful Italian trainer

Valfredo Valiani (46), the man who discovered Electrocutionist, trains around 50 horses from his base in Pisa, Italy. In love with his motherland, he admits to having had thoughts of moving his operation abroad, to England or France perhaps.

Geir Stabell (European Trainer - issue 15 - Autumn 2006)

Valfredo Valiani (46), the man who discovered Electrocutionist, trains around 50 horses from his base in Pisa, Italy. In love with his motherland, he admits to having had thoughts of moving his operation abroad, to England or France perhaps.

 ”But I am getting older, it would be tougher to move now”, he explains. He wants to run more horses abroad though. His raids abroad have been very selective and successful. Two runs in England have resulted in two Group One wins. ”When I have the right horse, I like to race internationally”, Valfredo says, and soon reveals his views on how racing is developing in Europe these days. How does he see the current state of affairs?


”If you are talking about the horses”, Valiani reflects, ”I think European racing is doing very well. The quality of our horses is world class, something global results clearly show. If you are talking about the situation of our sport, however, I think it is going quite badly. ”


”England apart, not many have been putting money into the game in serious attempts at attracting new faces at the tracks. That is our main problem. I am not saying it is wrong to have people in betting shops but we must try to get them from the betting shops to the tracks. Hopefully, when they experience this great spectacle they will want to come back. We are missing crowds at the tracks. Unless this is addressed, it will come back to us in a negative way. In fact, it already does. Therefore, I think that our Jockey Clubs, our associations and most of all our racecourses must do better. If the big heads in racing don’t work together, races will soon be much worse than now. The only way to stop this is that owners, trainers, breeders and jockeys get together, face the racecourse ownerships, trying to work together. Unfortunately, in Italy this is almost impossibe.  We are trying to do it now. Earlier this year, I went to a dinner with Max Hennau and Jim Kavanagh, where we had the president and vice president of the breeders’ association, a prominent owner, a big bloodstock agent and the president of the European Breeders’ Association present. We tried to socialise and discuss our problems. 


”Up to a certain point, the trainers’ problems are also the same problems owners and breeders experience. Organising a good spectacle is the main thing, we must give the racing fans a top class leisure product, and together we can do just that. We all believe that the European Trainers Federation is very important. If we make the ETF work properly, we can become very influential. To do that, we should increase and expand our meetings to include all countries, and work together. We must work as a team in Europe, and representatives from each country must work locally. Racing people should not be overtaken by administrators from outside the sport. I believe racing people are the right people to run our business. Well, as you know, that is not preciseley what is happening everywhere, is it?”


”In Italy, UNIRE is run by people who are mainly political, not people with the right knowledge on racing. The main problem for a trainer, is that he who works harder and tries to be serious and professional, is not properly rewarded. Much too often, hard work makes little difference.” 


So, with strong views on how racing should be run, and a desire for change in Italy, how seriously have Valiani been considering a move to a bigger playing field?


”Unless I should get a good offer to go to Newmarket or Chantilly, I intend to stay in Pisa”, he says, ”I love my country, as does my wife Sveva. Our five-year-old son Vittorio Guiseppe is important to me, he is my hobby if you like. Really, my hobby used to be going on long riding treks in the coutryside, on riding horses, not thoroughbreds. But there is little time for that. When I can get a break I love travelling, and normally we go away in January, seeing other parts of the world is both important and relaxing. This year we went to Mauritius and Morocco.”


Racehorse trainers do not have much spare time and for Valfredo the free hours he gets is dedicated to his family. 


”I spend more and more time with my son”, he says. Is litte Vittorio Guiseppe going to step into his father’s shoes one day? ”He has ridden of course, he has a pony”, Valfredo explains, ”but we live upstairs in the yard and I think he has too many horses around him right now. Therefore he is not all that interested. A situation I am quite happy about. I hope he is not going to become a trainer – at least not in Italy, I would rather see him becoming a soccer player or something like that”, Valfredo laughs. Although he is a prominent player at home, with international success, it is clear that he sees better conditions abroad. 


Valiani has no hesitation when asked which is the best course in Italy. ”Definitely Milan”, he assures us, ”it is big track, and it is well developed, with a 1000 metres straight. You can run races over 2400 metres with just one bend, like at Newmarket. It is a severe racetrack, where the best horse usually wins. I prefer to run my horses there.” 


Valfredao was introduced to racing by his father, who was a teacher riding in amateur races in Italy. ”He became a steward, and later on he was president of the Italian stewards”, he explains, ”he put me on a horse for the first time when I was three. From about seven or eight, I was competing in show jumping. This continued until I was 14 and rode my first throughbred – I fell in love with him from day one. I switched to racehorses almost overnight and became the youngest amateur riding races in Italy in 1974. I rode quite a few flat races, won three times and had good fun but I am too tall. Riding was never going to become a career.  I always wanted to be a trainer. ”


It was also his father who sent the young, tall amateur rider to Newmarket ten years later, to learn from working with Luca Cumani. Valfredo spent two years with the Bedford Lodge handler, and experienced top class horses like Bairn, Commanche Run and Free Guest. ”Frankie Dettori had just come over from Italy too, and we both learned a lot from Luca”, Valfredo tells us. ”After the years in England, I went to work as assitant to Richard Cross in Los Angeles for a year, and I went on to work with preparations of yearlings in Lexington in 1986.”


After spending over three years learning abroad, Valfredo returned to Italy to set up as a trainer in 1987. His first horse, a colt named Swalk, was owned by Luca Cumani and Doctor Boffa, of Fittocks Stud. Many horses have passed through his hands since, but there is no doubt which is the best he has had in his care;


”I discovered Electrocutionist when he was very young, as he was bred by an owner of mine”, Valfredo tells us, ”he wanted to sell him, and I really liked him a lot. At the same time, Mr Earle Mack, an American ambassador, had asked me to find him a yearling. He bought him privately and, as you know, Electrocutionist proved to be an excellent investment. ”


Does Valfredo prefer buying his horses as yearlings?


”Yes I do”, he says, ”I like to get my horses as yearlings, and I tend to buy late developing types. I hate to say this but I have been better with middle-distance horses, not so much with sprinters. A trainer should be able to train all kinds, but this is still true – I like to buy horses with a future as older horses, horses with scope - and I am not a trainer of juveniles. I like to give them time. As an example, by the 1st of August this year I had sent out only one juvenile runner. I have a nice bunch of young horses in my yard. Hopefully, there is a future Group One winner among them. ”


Valiani trains around 50 horses and owns a few himself. ”I don’t like it, but I do own some”, he says, ”they are for sale, from time to time I buy to sell on, sometimes it works out, sometimes not, one has to take the odd gamble.” 


He buys horses mainly in Italy, England and Ireland, where he found a smashing daughter of Lahib back in 1997.  We have been lucky before Electrocutionist came along”, he says, ” Super Tassa, who won the Prix Corrida in France and the Yorkshire Oaks in England, was a real bargain. I found her at Fairyhouse, and paid only 1800 Irish pounds for her.”


Valiani tells us that he has an ambition to campaign more horses abroad. ”I like to run my horses in Italy, and if a horse is good enough, I like to send it to Newmarket or Chantilly to prepare for races there. I fly up and down when we are getting the horse ready for a big event.”


Having prepared for his training career by working around the world, Valiani now trains for owners from North America, England and France, though most of his owners are Italians. Individuals own the majority of the horses. Racing syndicates and racing clubs are yet not playing a big role in Italy, he explains: 

”The problem with the Italian man is that his attitude is to own the horse outright, not share it with someone else. Partnerships are a good thing, in my opinion, and we are really working on this. Racing partnerships is also an excellent way to attract people from outside the game, as partnerships give members a smaller risk but should give them the same fun”. 

From being an amateur rider as age 14, soon to become too tall to pursue a career in the saddle, Valiani has worked his way up the training ranks in Europe, and he is now one of the most respected in his trade. Where would he have ended up in life, if training had not been an option? 


”Probably a cowboy”, he laughs, ”I grew up in the Grosseto, a small place in the countryside, where people used horses every day – much like the North American cowboys. Well, if I had not become a trainer maybe I would have been a vet now, however. I thought that I wanted to become a vet, but I soon decided that what I really wanted was to work closely with horses full time. I studied for three years, though did not get very good results. I was spending too much time fooling around with horses!”

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TRM Trainer of the Quarter - Powerscourt

The TRM Trainer of the Quarter - Henry Cecil and Dermot Weld both trained their 3,000th winners and Valfredo Valiani won a thrilling Juddmonte International at York with Electrocutionist. All three and many others were worthy of the award in their own right, however only one horse can win and for thisissue the winner is Powerscourt.

Editorial Writer (European Trainer - Issue 11 / Autumn 2005)

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