He was born the 26th May 1995 at the Zenzalino horse-breeding centre in Copparo (FE). He was called Varenne from the name of the Parisian street where the Italian Embassy has its seat. His father was the American stallion Waikiki Beach and his mother the indigenous brood-mare Ialmaz which he co-owned with J.P.Dubois. Precisely Dubois bought Varenne and other foals from the Ferrara breeding centre. He paid for Varenne 10 million (for 50%) and brought him to his breeding-centre in Normandy, Haras De La Brosse, in Nonant le Pin. After a year Varenne returns to Italy and after a brief stay in Tuscany the great turn takes place: he is seen by Giampaolo Minucci, who despite the horse’s having some physical trouble, convinces the Neapolitan business man, Enzo Giordano, to buy him for 180 million in May 2000; then his 50% property goes to Snai.

We certainly cannot forget Giampaolo Minnucci, because if Varenne won by large two editions in a  row of the most esteemed and prestigious horse-racing competition in the world, he certainly did not do it by himself. Although his name tends to be more famous than his driver’s: a lover of horse-racing, an indefatigable athlete who built this triumph starting from a real friendship with his "50 kilos fireball". Minucci and Varenne “talk to each other” during the races “and  - his driver says – we choose the less difficult ways towards the finish line”.  His is the merit of giving credit to Varenne.

In Naples Varenne "built his bones" and from Agnano the assault to the Prix d'Amerique started as well as to many other trophies that Varenne has already taken home, becoming the most famous horse in the world.

June.2002