Di Gaetano

Adelaide’s Italian community has been urged to rally behind SA racehorse Regalo Di Gaetano’s bid to secure a spot in the world’s richest mile race – the $5 million All-Star Mile.

Carrying silks bearing the green, white and red colours of the Italian flag, and with a story stretching back 30 years and involving a local Italian family, the horse needs the South Australian public to vote him into the field for the All-Star Mile, to be run at Moonee Valley.

Regalo Di Gaetano is among 83 nominations for the race and securing a spot would mean the world for part-owner Bruno Disotto, who has been involved in the horse’s lineage since the 1990s. Currently he sits 14th in voting behind star WA mare Arcadia Queen.

A long-time racing fan and thoroughbred owner/breeder, Bruno Disotto had always wanted to involve his father, Gaetano, in a horse – and that opportunity finally came along via Signor Gaetano (Sir Gaetano).

Unfortunately, Gaetano senior died before his namesake could hit the racetrack and Bruno Disotto’s passion waned while he mourned his father.

However, Bruno Disotto’s fellow owners tracked down a relative of Signor Gaetano and convinced their friend to jump back into the fray. The horse was named Regalo Di Gaetano, or ‘the gift of Gaetano’.

“For Bruno, we wanted it to mean the gift of Signor Gaetano the horse and the gift of his father,” explained part-owner Simon Charlton.

“We wanted to carry on the memory of Bruno’s father and retain the Italian connection, via the silks and of course the horse’s name.

“The All Star Mile might be a rich race, and there are other people in the horse, but for us it’s about continuing the journey of Bruno and his family.”

Mr Disotto raises a glass and toasts his father every time Regalo Di Gaetano runs.

“Every speech Bruno gives he cries and says it’s in memory of his father and mother,” Mr Charlton said.

“It means a lot to him.”

Mr Charlton also has a special connection to the horse. His best friend was involved in Signor Gaetano and would have been part of the Regalo Di Gaetano journey, but died when the horse was still being prepared for his racetrack debut.

Trained by father-and-daughter duo Richard and Chantelle Jolly, Regalo Di Gaetano is no slouch on the track. The horse won the inaugural John Letts Cup at Morphettville back in October and is a mile specialist.

“He certainly wouldn’t disgrace himself in the All-Star Mile,” Simon Charlton said.

“He’s getting better with every start and it would be great to have him representing South Australia on such a big stage.”

Voting for the All-Star Mile closes next Sunday, February 14 with the race held at Moonee Valley on Saturday, March 13.

South Australia has four nominations: Regalo Di Gaetano, Behemoth, Morvada and Kemalpasa.

Votes can be cast at https://www.allstarmile.com.au/

ALL-STAR MILE voting at Sunday afternoon (7th February)

1 – Arcadia Queen (7978 votes)
2 – Behemoth (7932)
3 – Verry Elleegaant (7430)
4 – Greysful Glamour (6195)
5 – The Harrovian (4686)
6 – Probabeel (4110)
7 – Russian Camelot (4109)
8 – Sir Dragonet (4014)
9 – Still A Star (3293)
10 – Mr Quickie (2876)
11 – Mugatoo (2291)
12 – Ole Kirk (2106)
13 – Crosshaven (1905)
14 – Regalo Di Gaetano (1395)
15 – Mystic Journey (1337)

Originally published asPasta post: SA’s Italian community urged to support ‘Regalo’

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