Dormelletto: a land of winners
One of the most exclusive Italian Bed and Breakfasts offers a unique experience to those who choose to stay there: La Cucchetta, the land of Ribot. Right here, in Dormelletto (Novara), amidst the vast greenery of Parco dei Lagoni and in front of the deep blue of Lake Maggiore, moved the 'Horse of the Century,' winner of all 16 races in his career, 'the most formidable racing machine ever to have functioned on a racecourse,' as defined by Paris Turf. A unique champion, capable of carrying the name of Italy high, conquering the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (the ultimate competition in global horse racing) at Longchamp in 1955 and 1956, and defeating the Queen of England's horse in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.
King George
Lydia e Federico Tesio
Ribot
Nearco
The spirit of Ribot can still be felt and breathed at La Cucchetta, one of the farmsteads of the breeding operation that Federico Tesio - 'the Wizard of Dormello' -
founded together with his wife, Lydia Fiori Marchesa di Serramezzana.
'No one in this century has influenced the breeding of the thoroughbred more than he and Lord Derby,' said English owner Lord Rosebery about Federico Tesio, who in Dormelletto bred and raised the best Italian thoroughbreds, capable not only of dominating all racetracks but also establishing themselves as stallions. This is the case of the undefeated Nearco: all the winners of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe from 1994 to 2009 are in his male lineage, as are his son Nasrullah and his grandson Northern Dancer.
