Copparo (Ferrara), August 18, 2026 — He was born on a stormy night in the Ferrara countryside and from there began a journey that would make him a worldwide legend. Now Varenne is no more. The “Captain” died during the night at 31 years old, leaving a deep void in the world of horse racing and especially in the land that gave him birth, the Zenzalino estate, in Copparo.
Giving voice to the community’s grief is Mayor Fabrizio Pagnoni, who entrusted his memory to Facebook: “We must say goodbye to Varenne, who unfortunately left us last night, at 31 years old.”
A farewell that has a special meaning for Copparo, because Varenne was not only one of the greatest horses in the history of trotting, but a symbol capable of carrying the name of the territory worldwide.
“The news of his death hits us deeply, because we lose an extraordinary champion who represented our land in the world,” wrote Pagnoni. Now only the memory remains, especially in his land: “We will miss you ‘son of the wind’. Thank you, ‘Captain’: you are and will always be our pride.”
The Zenzalino breeding farm: “For us you have always been immortal”
The Zenzalino breeding farm entrusted social media with a message full of affection: “Unfortunately the moment has come, we knew sooner or later it would arrive, but we did not want to think about it, for us you have always been immortal, a son always present who filled us with pride. We want to say goodbye once again by remembering your track achievements so do not dwell on our tears, but only look at the smile you gave us and all of Italy. Thank you immensely, Captain Varenne.”
Varenne born from Waikiki Beach and Ialmaz
Varenne was born on May 19, 1995, right at the Zenzalino estate, from Waikiki Beach and Ialmaz. A birth that came during a stormy night, almost a premonition for what would become an unrepeatable story. The nickname “Captain” would accompany him throughout his career. And the numbers tell better than any definition his greatness: 62 wins in 73 races run and over six million euros in prizes.
Varenne’s achievements
In his achievements are the Italian Trotting Derby in 1998, three consecutive Gran Premi Lotteria di Agnano from 2000 to 2002, two Prix d’Amérique, in 2001 and 2002, and two Elitloppet, in the same years. In 2001 he also won the Breeders Crown in the United States.
At the reins of Varenne was Giampaolo Minnucci, along with a group of men who accompanied his growth until his international consecration.
In 2001 the trotter managed to complete what is remembered as the Grand Slam of European trotting, winning Amérique, Lotteria and Elitloppet, before also prevailing in the United States.
His legacy continued even after retirement from racing, through his career as a stallion and numerous offspring, over 2,000 were sired, capable of succeeding in the most important competitions.
Varenne thus remained a point of reference for breeding and enthusiasts, a legend well beyond the tracks.
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