Melipilla, Chile – The Chilean rodeo circuit witnessed a thrilling victory this past weekend as Aníbal Baraona and Rufino Hernández secured the championship title at the Clasificatorio Zona Norte, held at the Medialuna «Carlos Zavala» in Chocalán, Melipilla. Their exceptional performance not only earned them the coveted title but also a direct qualification to the final of the 77th Campeonato Nacional de Rodeo, scheduled to take place from March 25th to 29th at the Medialuna Monumental «Gonzalo Vial Vial» in Rancagua. This triumph marks a significant achievement for the duo and the Criadero El Carmen de Nilahue, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown at the national level.
The winning collera, comprised of Baraona and Hernández, demonstrated remarkable skill and precision while riding Conventillera and Carabela, both horses belonging to the Criadero Carmen de Nilahue. They achieved a score of 42 points (10+11+9+12) in the Serie de Campeones, showcasing their ability to navigate the challenging course and effectively control their mounts. This victory builds on their earlier success, having already qualified for the Serie de Criadores on Thursday, further solidifying their position as strong contenders in the competition. The Campeonato Nacional de Rodeo is a cornerstone of Chilean sporting culture, drawing large crowds and intense national pride. Latercera reports that over 2,500 spectators witnessed their victory in Melipilla.
A Season of Success for Baraona and Hernández
This win isn’t an isolated event for Baraona and Hernández. They previously secured victory in the Zonal Norte during the current season, establishing themselves as a formidable force in the rodeo circuit. Their consistent performance throughout the year has garnered attention and positioned them as favorites heading into the national championship. The partnership between Baraona and Hernández, representing the Santiago Sur and Talca Oriente Associations respectively, has proven to be a winning combination, blending experience and skill to achieve remarkable results. The Criadero El Carmen de Nilahue, the breeding ground for Conventillera and Carabela, is also celebrating this success, highlighting the quality of their breeding program and the dedication of their team.
Rufino Hernández, reflecting on the victory, expressed his joy and gratitude. “Muy feliz por este triunfo. En verdad las yeguas son de la luna. Muy feliz por el criadero, por mi familia. Fue una gran final,” he stated, emphasizing the exceptional performance of the horses and the support of his team and family. Hernández, who joined Criadero Carmen de Nilahue this season, acknowledged the positive impact of the change, praising the quality of the horses and the collaborative environment. The success is particularly meaningful for Hernández, marking a high point in his first season with the renowned breeding program.
Competition and the Road to Rancagua
While Baraona and Hernández emerged victorious, the Clasificatorio Zona Norte featured strong competition. The Criadero Risco Liso, with jockeys Martín Durán and Pablo Pino from the Santiago Oriente Association, secured second place with a score of 38 points (12+10+8+8). The Criadero Los Tacos de Rumai, represented by Roberto Bozzo and Matías Sepúlveda, claimed third place after a thrilling tiebreaker, achieving 33 points (8+9+8+8) plus 13 in the desempate. These results demonstrate the high level of skill and competition within the Chilean rodeo community. The Medialuna de Chocalán in Melipilla proved to be a challenging venue, testing the abilities of both riders and horses.
The journey to Rancagua won’t be without its challenges. The Campeonato Nacional de Rodeo is known for its intense competition and demanding course. Hernández acknowledged the difficulty ahead, stating, “Hay que correr tranquilos, vamos con las mismas ansias de ganar, de querer ganar, pero lo que va a pasar sólo lo sabe el de arriba. Que Dios y la Virgen nos acompañe, en Rancagua es muy difícil, hay que tener mucha suerte.” Despite the challenges, Baraona and Hernández are approaching the final with confidence and determination, relying on their strong partnership, skilled horses, and the unwavering support of their team. The 77th Campeonato Nacional de Rodeo promises to be a spectacular event, showcasing the best of Chilean rodeo talent.
The Importance of Teamwork and Breeding
Both Baraona and Hernández were quick to credit the entire team behind their success, emphasizing the crucial role of the Criadero El Carmen de Nilahue and its dedicated staff. Baraona highlighted the tireless operate of the team in caring for the horses, often sacrificing personal time to ensure their well-being. “Es muy bonito para uno como jinete, como corredor, todas esas cosas son bonitas, pero igual los chiquillos hacen una tremenda pega, hace mucho juicio al equipo que está en el criadero,” he remarked. This sentiment underscores the collaborative nature of rodeo, where success is not solely dependent on the riders but also on the dedication and expertise of the entire support system.
The success of Conventillera and Carabela is a testament to the quality of the Criadero El Carmen de Nilahue’s breeding program. Pablo Baraona, the owner of the Criadero, received praise from both riders for his commitment to excellence. The horses’ exceptional performance has elevated their status, earning them the affectionate nickname “regalonas” (darlings) from the team. The Criadero’s focus on breeding and training has clearly paid off, producing horses capable of competing at the highest level. The dedication to equine welfare and the pursuit of excellence are hallmarks of the Criadero El Carmen de Nilahue.
Family Support and Looking Ahead
The upcoming final in Rancagua will be a particularly special occasion for the Baraona family, with Aníbal’s father and brother, Clemente, also in attendance. Clemente, the youngest member of the family to participate in rodeo, will be making his debut at the national championship, adding to the excitement and family pride. Aníbal expressed his joy at having his entire family present, describing the season as “redonda, a pedir de mano” (perfect, beyond expectations). The family’s shared passion for rodeo and their unwavering support for one another are evident in their collective journey to the national championship.
As Baraona and Hernández prepare for the final, they remain grounded and focused on the task at hand. Baraona acknowledged the unpredictable nature of rodeo, stating, “Como dice Don Rufa, hay que estar tranquilo, porque como siempre digo, el 90 por ciento de las veces en el rodeo uno pierde y el 10 por ciento de repente uno gana.” But, they are confident in their abilities, their horses, and the strength of their team. The upcoming Campeonato Nacional de Rodeo promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the skill, dedication, and passion of the Chilean rodeo community. The final, taking place between March 25th and 29th at the Medialuna Monumental «Gonzalo Vial Vial» in Rancagua, will determine the national champion and crown the culmination of a season-long competition.
The next major event for Baraona and Hernández is the 77th Campeonato Nacional de Rodeo in Rancagua, beginning on March 25th. Fans and enthusiasts can follow the competition for updates and results. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and predictions for the final in the comments below.