The Run For A Million (TRFAM) Qualifier Champions, Gabriel Borges and Spooks Gotta Ice, are a pair with a lot of character and intertwined history. Both Borges and Spooks Gotta Ice are originally from Brazil.
“I remember seeing him as an early three-year-old in Brazil and took a mental note of him because he was not for sale at the time,” Borges said.
Spooks Gotta Ice joined Borges’ program just two years ago when they brought him to the States from Brazil after their Futurity. The vision to show this horse has long been imagined.
“Going into the Qualifier run, I had a 230 score in mind, and he was ready for it. So the initial plan was to qualify, but I also wanted to have a go at the $100,000 added. So we pushed ourselves and accomplished,” Borges said.
“After my last stop, I just knew I had won it. He did his job, and we communicated perfectly throughout the whole run as he gave back to me, maneuver after maneuver. As a trainer, there is nothing more rewarding than when a horse gives back to you,” Borges said.
Spooks Gotta Ice is by SG Frozen Enterprise and out of Spooks Gotta Lady. Taking home a check today for $40,844 for the win brings his LTE to $163,161, all of which has been won with trainer and rider Borges.
“To see this horse and Gabriel get along so well. They are like a left and right arm. This horse follows him around like a dog and will play with him. What more could you ask for? This pair is amazing, and we can’t wait to head to NRBC,” owner Rob Page said.
Both owner and trainer expressed their excitement for his first breeding season in January of 2027. They have even purchased a potential broodmare for the first cross.
Borges would like to thank his whole team: starting with the owners, Rob and Kathy Page, for all their support, his wife, who works very hard behind the scenes, all his customers, and everyone who has helped him along the way.
Also advancing to The Run For A Million from The Qualifier are:
Francesco Martinotti
Martin Muehlstaetter
Dany Tremblay
Cade McCutcheon
Mirko Midili
Trevor Dare
Arno Honstetter
Ben Beckett
