Season Dates
2007

Tijuana Bullfight Reviews 2007

Gary Sloan - QEPD

This review page is in honor of my good friend, and fellow photographer who recently passed away. He was the author of all the Tijuana bullfight reviews below.

-- Review for November 11 2007 --

Review by Gary Sloan
www.fotosdetauromaquia.com
(Photos by Samuel Vargas)

Sunday the 11th of November, 2007, the final corrida of the 2007 Season at the Hurtado Brothers Beautiful Bullring by the Sea. Chilly overcast weather, and later rain, greeted a good crowd, of about 10,000 spectators and the Fabulous Pablo Hermoso de Mendoza, with Matadors a pie Jose Rodriquez "Pepe Hillo", and Juan Chavez, with two bulls from "Rancho Seco" for Pablo, and four bulls from "Marco Garfias", for the Matadors on foot.

Pablo Hermoso De Mendoza

What can you say about Pablo, he's simply the best Rejoneador there is. His first bull, "Navarro", number 194, 430 kilos, didn't have the proper trapio for Rejonereo, as he would not sustain a long enough charge, and pursuit of the horse. Still Pablo tried to impose his magic on the beast, and some fine moments were had, but because of the bull, it was not one of his great performances. Applausos, al tercio.

By the time Pablos second bull, "Haragan", number 182, 435 kilos, came into the ring, it had been raining lightly, but steadily for thirty minutes, and every one was wet. This was a much better lidia than the first, and Mendoza had some spectacular moments, still it could have been better if the bull had more desire for the horse. A good kill resulted in an ear.

Jose Rodriquez "Pepe Hillo"

With his first bull, "Debutante", number 50, 465 kilos, Jose greeted him with a farol de rodillas, against the fence, and then moved to los medios, and a fine set of Veronicas, with a crisp media Veronica de rodillas for the remate. After the pic, Jose did a set of Chicuelinas antiguas, Navarras,and finished with a revolera. He then invited Juan Chavez to do a quite, and the young lad did a great set of Chicuelinas, with a terrific Serpintina revolera combo, for the remate. Jose then placed his own sticks, one pair al cuartero, one pair al quiebro, and the last pair, cortas al violin. The faena was very good, nice tandas on both sides, with domino, and temple. Then a long tanda of naturales ayudado, that were very good. One half thrust, then another full thrust with the sword, were followed by one gulpe with the discabello that was succesful. Applausos, al tercio.

With his second toro, the largest of the day, "Hasta Pronto", number 34, 510 kilos, Jose once again started with a farol de rodillas, against the barrera, stepped up, and continued with fine Veronicas, and a media Veronica for the remate. "Hasta Pronto" knocked the horse down hard. After the pic, Jose placed the banderillas in exactly the same way as the first. The faena was much like his previous one, except this bull became very distracted, and Jose had to chase him around. He finally got the bull interested in the muleta, and managed to accomplish a few great tandas of naturals ayudados. However poor sword work, and an aviso cost him every thing. Nada

Juan Chavez

With his first bull, "Chiquillo", number 45, 480 kilos, he started with a farol de rodillas against the fence. Then he did a set of Veronicas, and a media Veronica, and he looked a little inexperienced. The faena was more of the same, and he clearly did not have the goods to deal with this animal. One pinchazo, then a three quarter thrust that was very effective, and it was over. Applausos.

With his second Toro, "Cerrojazo", number 24, 505 kilos, the lad fared a little better. He started with decent Veronicas, and a media Veronica for the remate. After the pic, he did a very rare quite, "Crinolinas", kind of a reverse Veronica, but different than a Tafallera", very well, and finished with a revolera. The faena was much better than his first. Mainly due to the bull, although he was larger, he was much more noble than his first animal, and Chavez had some very good tandas on both sides. A final series of "Lasernistas", then one pinchazo, and a almost full thrust and the faena, and the season came to an end. Applausos for the faena.

And so the 2007 season finished in the dark, and in the rain, but it was worth the effort. I would like to ad, that prior to the corrida a group of aficionados and MT members met for a great lunch at Casa Placencia, and it was great to meet the members face to face, and it was all very nice. Soon to follow, I will have a recap, and the best of revue for the entire season.

Saludos,

Gary Sloan

-- Review for October 7 2007 --

Review by Gary Sloan
 www.fotosdetauromaquia.com
 (Photos by Samuel Vargas)

Sunday the seventh of October at the Hurtado Brothers "Beautiful Bullring by the Sea", crystal clear Santa Anta weather, and warm temperatures greeted about six thousand spectators, and Matadores, Eulalio Lopez "El Zotoluco", Fernando Ochoa, and Jose Mauricio, with bulls from "San Martin". The number four and number six bulls were replaced by bulls from "Venta Del Refugio", and "Jeral
De Peñas" respectively.

Eulalio Lopez "Zotoluco"

With his first bull, # 376, "Marispy", 450 kilos, Lopez made an attempt to work with the capote, but the bull would have none of it. The faena was more of the same, so the Matador went for a hasty kill. One pinchazo, one three quarter thrust,
and it was over, aplausos.

With his second animal, #53, no name, 475 kilos, Lalo fared a little better with the capote and managed to do a few nice Veronicas, and finished with a media Veronica, for the remate. The faena was much better than the first with Lopez crafting a fine third act on both sides and he now had the crowd firmly behind him, with strong Ole's. Once again bad luck with the sword, one pinchazo, and one full, but caida thrust denied him any awards. Aplausos.

Fernando Ochoa

With his first toro, # 356, "Feliz Aniversario", 445 kilos, Fernando opened with smooth Veronicas and finished with a fine media Veronica. His faena was very good. Crossing the toro and linking low smooth passes, with both the right and left hand. After a good sword he was awarded a Vuelta, I'm afraid the subtitle quality of his work went over the head of most of the fans.

With his second bull,# 288, "Don Borja" once again Ochoa opened with fine smooth Veronicas, and finished again with a beautiful media Veronica. The faena, was even better than the first, once again crossing the toro and getting low slow linked passes, with mucho temple. The linked naturals on the left were especially beautiful. Alas, after several more tandas on both sides, once again his sword failed him, one pinchazo, then a full thrust, and he heard aplausos.

Jose Mauricio

Then the Taurine Gods smiled down on young Mauricio, and sent him his first animal, # 329, "Frijulito", 465 kilos, what a bull, a true "Toro De Bandera", from the moment that he blasted out of the toril, "Frijulito's" lust for the cloth, was astounding, and Jose recognized this immediately, and jumped right on him with great Veronicas, con cargando la suerte, then finished with a "Larga Cordobesa", allowing the capote to continue to swirl around in his hand, and then flow across his shoulders, as he turned and strode away to a thunderous ovation. The picadors entered the ring, and Jose brought the bull to the horse with capotazos de brega, and turned him in with a "Serpintina". "Frijulitos" was brave against the horse, insisting until he was pulled away. Mauricio then lined him up and did a set of outstanding Chicuelinas, and then another "Larga Cordobesa" same as the first. Letting the cloth flow across his shoulders, as he strode away, to another thunderous ovation, and chants of "Torero, "Torero" And it only got better.

Mauricio started the faena off in the grandest manner of all. Three consecutive "Pendulos", and pase por altos, in a row, without moving off the spot!!, When Jose did the third "Pendulo", the bull was only six feet away when he started the charge, and Mauricio was still able to get the animal behind him, incredible! And then, the faena really got good. Jose did it all with this wonderful toro. Linked passes on both sides, "Dosantinas", all the way around, changing the cloth to his left hand, and sending the bull away, and every thing else you could think of with this great animal. After some where near a hundred passes with the muleta, a petition for the Indulto began, and it grew with every tanda. After a few exchanges with the Juez De Plaza, over to kill, or not to kill, Mauricio finally profiled for the suerte suprema, and disaster struck, three pinchazos, then a one third thrust, that was followed by eight golpes with the descabello, and he heard two avisos! I thought he deserved an ear up to the second try with the descabello, so strong was the faena. So aplausos for the Matador, and a well deserved "Arraste Lento" for "Frijulito".

With his second bull, # 76, "Habacuk", 490 kilos the largest of the day, Mauricio
opened with Veronicas, and finished with a smooth media Veronica for the remate. The faena was good, and had fine moments, but it was anticlimactic after his previous lidia with "Frijulito". After a couple of attempts with the sword it was over.

And so the day came to an end, and even after the disastrous sword work, the day belonged to Jose Mauricio and "Frijulito", in my opinion anyway.

The traffic at the border was horrendous, however, as usual the "Five Star Tour Bus" made the trip back almost painless, and there was no pedestrian line.

The next, and last corrida will be November the 11th, with Pablo Hermosa De Mendoza, and Jose Rodriquez "Pepe Hillo" and a third to be announced.

Gary Sloan

 

-- Review for September 2 2007 --

Review by Gary Sloan
www.fotosdetauromaquia.com
(Photos by Samuel Vargas)

Sunday, the second of September 2007, at the Hurtado brothers "Beautiful Bullring by the Sea", hot muggy weather, greeted the five thousand or so fans, and Matadors Ureil Moreno, "El Zapata", Jeronimo, and Fermin Rivera, nephew of the late Curro Rivera with six bulls from "Tenexac"

"Zapata"

With his first bull, number 43, "Techcatl", 450 kilos, Ureil did a set of Veronicas, and a nice media Veronica, to open the first act. After the bull was picced, he took him off the horse with a set of Chicuelinas, and a Revolera for the remate. Zapata placed his own banderillas, the first pair "Al Violin", and the second and third pairs al cuartero in fine form to ovations. The faena was correct, but not really pretty or artistic, but he gave the bull the correct lidia. One pinchazo, then a half thrust with the sword and it was over. Applausos.

With his second toro, number 562, "Necutic", 500 kilos, Zapata again did some nice Veronicas with the big cape, with another fine media Veronica for the remate. He placed his banderillas in the same fashion as his first bull. A better faena than the first, with good tandas on both sides, that was capped off with a well placed three quarter thrust with the estoque, that garnered him an ear.

Jeronimo

With his first bull, number 22, "Pixahui", 445 kilos, Jeronimo did grand Veronicas, with a tight, crisp, media Veronica, for the remate. After the pic'cing, he did Chicuelina Antiguas, Navarras, that were great. The faena was very good, with Jeronimo delivering very stylish tandas on both sides. Every thing was going in the right direction, until it was time for the kill. four pinchasos with the sword, and one golpe with the descabello and it was over. no awards.

With his second toro, number 542, "Metzonallotl", 465 kilos, not much was accomplished in the first act. Then Jeronimo allowed his bull to be heavily over pic'ced, which ruined the animal for the faena. With the bull falling, and completely out of gas, Jeronimo could do nothing, and he botched that with four pinchazos, and heard two avisos, nada.

Fermin Rivera

With his first bull number 103, "Teconallati", 475 kilos, Fermin was limited to piton y piton work with the capote, which he did very well. The faena was so so, no real high lights. three pinchazos, then a full sword cost him any awards.

With his second toro, number 203, "Huilotl", 470 kilos, it was capote lite once again. After the pic'cing however, he did a great set of Chicuelinas, with a great Revolera for the remate. His faena was the best of the day, with Fermin doing it all on both sides with this great, albeit some what smallish animal. A perfect sword, with the bull dropping quickly, resulted in both ears being awarded. so the day came to an end with only three ears being awarded.

Traffic returning to the USA, wasn't too bad this Sunday, however I still chose to exit via the Five Star Tour bus, the only way to go.

Gary Sloan

 

-- Review for August 12 2007 --

Review by Gary Sloan
www.fotosdetauromaquia.com
(Photos by Samuel Vargas)

Sunday the 12th of August, at the Beautiful Bullring by the Sea, Tijuana, Baja California Mexico. Beautiful weather, a light crowd, about five thousand strong, were on hand for Matadores Omar Villaseñor, Jose Mauricio, and Victor Mora, with six bulls from the Ranch of retired Matador Javier Bernaldo, "Bernaldo De Quiroz".

Omar Villaseñor

With his first toro, number 356, "Maestro P.P.", 525 kilos, he didn't do much with the capote, however, after the bull was pic'ced, Omar threw the cape behind his back for his favorite Quite, the Gaonera, and was caught immediately, spun hard , and thrown to the sand, trampled and pummeled pretty badly. The subalternos rescued Omar promptly, he jumped up and grabbed the capote, flung it again behind his back for another Gaonera, and was caught again, on the first try. More flying through the air, and more mugging on the ground, and he was rescued again, by his now very concerned cuadrilla.

This time Omar didn't get up as quickly, and his helpers checked him out for horn wounds, none were found. His bell was clearly rung though, and incredibly, as if to prove that old cliché, " he was as brave as the bull himself, but not quite as smart", Omar once again threw the capote behind his back for yet another Gaonera, and was.... caught again on the first try. This time he received an injury to his knee, plus the aforementioned mugging. He had to be carried to the infirmary, and so Jose Mauricio, being the next senior Matador, had to dispatch Omar's bull. He did so, but not before delivering a very good faena, and getting caught and tossed hard himself. One pinchazo, then a full thrust that was very effective, and Mauricio was awarded an ear.

With his second animal, number 383, "Santanero", 530 kilos, Omar, who was able to return with a bandaged knee. delivered some decent Veronicas with the big cape, and finished with a Revolera, for the remate. Then the bull broke his horn on the Picadors stirrup, and was replaced by number 87, "Lebrija", 470 kilos. Omar did some cape work, nothing spectacular. The lidia proceeded to the faena, where he had some good moments on both sides, and capped it off with a good sword, to earn an ear.

Jose Mauricio

With his first bull, number 376, "Conquistador", 525 kilos, Jose did some crisp Veronicas, followed by a media Veronica for the remate. After the pic'cing, Jose did a fine set of "Por Tomininas", and a revolera for the remate. Mauricio started his faena in a grand fashion by doing two consecutive Pendulos, in los medios. The rest of the third act was very fine, with good tandas on both sides. A real nice Dosantina, with a few afurlados here and there, it was very pleasing to watch. two pinchazos, then a full thrust, and it was over, with Mauricio receiving a vuelta, and "Conquistador", a arraste lento.

With his second toro, number 300, "Don Juan", 485 kilos, Mauricio was limited to  piton a piton work with the capote, which he did very well.  After the pic'cing, Jose did a nice set old "Calaserinas", with a Serpintina for the remate. The faena was great. Working well on both sides, he pretty much did it all. Finishing up with one pinchazo, a then a terrific estocada, and Jose was awarded an ear, and an arraste lento for "Don Juan".

Victor Mora

With his first animal, number 308, "Ponchito", 530 kilos, not much with the capote was accomplished. After the pic, Victor did a nice set of Tafalleras, with a Serpintina for the remate, which brought a nice ovation. His faena was just OK, a little here, a little there, with no real high lights. One pinchazo, then a full thrust, and it was over. Applausos.

With his second toro, number 285, "Melero", 490 kilos, once again nothing with the capote. The faena, however, was another story. Victor let it all hang out, jumping on the bull with great passes on both sides. He pretty much did every thing you can do with a bull that's willing. He even did a perfect "Telefono". Capped the whole affair off with a perfect sword that killed "Melero", sin puntillo, and was awarded dos orejas.

Now this left us with both Mauricio and Mora with two ears a piece, so that left the bestowing of the Bronze "El Juli" Trophy up to the old applausometer, with Mauricio winning the coveted Bronze and Marble statue. In the end.

It was a good corrida, and once again I was spared the ravages of the two and a half hour wait at the border crossing, by taking the Five Star Tour Bus. Take it from me, it's the best way to go these days, no stress and very quick.
 

- Review for July 22 2007 -

By Gary Sloan
www.fotosdetauromaquia.com

Sunday, the 22nd of July, 2007, at the Hurtado brothers "Beautiful Bullring the Sea", in the Playas De Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, a large crowd, around 12,000 people were on hand for Rejoneador, Eduardo Cuevas, Luis Vilches, de España, Alejandro Amaya, and Juan Antonio Adame, with seven bulls from "Fernando De La Mora". Usually the Rejoneador fights first, but they made a mistake in the pens and released Amaya's bull, instead of Cuevas's bull, so Amaya went first, and they allowed Vilches, and Adame to follow Amaya. So Cuevas, The Rejoneador fought in the fourth position, and was joined by the "Forcados De Mazatlan"

Eduardo Cuevas

With his first and only bull of the day, number 50, "Luisito" 452 kilos, Cuevas still looked very green, and was not able to interpret, correctly, the bulls terrains, and his horse was in constant peril. After the rather clumsily placed first two Rejones de Castigo, Cuevas retired, and the Forcados De Mazatlan vaulted the fence and lined up for their first pega, "Luisito" went through them like a bowling ball through a line of bowling pins, and as they say in the South, he was kicking ass, and taking names. The Forcados regrouped, and after checking for holes and injuries, one of them received a broken arm, they lined up for their second pega, and were successful in bringing the bull to a stand still, and a safe release And then they did another one, also successful, Cuevas returned to the fray with the Rejon de la muerte in hand, and then did the worst kill from the horse that I have ever seen. He missed the entry point by about four feet, with the steel finally hitting the bulls spine about eighteen inches from his rump, immediately paralyzing his rear legs. The poor beast staggered around in a circle for a few seconds before the Puntillero, mercifully, dispatched him. Boos and pitos.

Luis Vilches

With his first bull, number 13, "Lucero", 441 kilos, Vilches' performance was a carbon copy of Friday nights effort. Great work with the capote, including some fine Chicuelinas, strong faena, with great work on both sides, including a long set of beautiful Molinetes, ala estilo Español. He had a huge triumph heading to it's climax, and he blew everything with the sword. It's such a shame to see that happen.

With his second toro, number 30, "Cazador", 460 kilos, Vilches opened with great Veronicas, then without a remate, went to Chicuelinas, four I think, and finished with a revolera. Luis then did a good set of Chicuelina Antiguas, Navarras, with a revolera for the remate after the bull was pic'ced. His faena was really good, strong derechazos on the right, and smooth, liquid naturals on the left. A great Dosantina, bringing the bull the way around, changing the muleta to his left hand seamlessly, and sending him away brought the house down. Luis did another long set of his high slow molinetes, to thunderous Oles! Then it was time for the kill, and the entire entrada, including yours truly, held our collective breath, so good was the faena, that everyone wanted Luis to succeed. He flung himself over the horns, and the sword hit bone and flew out. There came a huge groan of disappointment from the crowd, but no boos, and no pitos, they were still with him. He quickly lined "Cazador" up again, and caught a break. A perfectly placed, full thrust, that was todo alto, and the bull had only time enough to take a few steps before he died on his feet, and crashed Patas Arriba, to the sand. Vilches was awarded a well deserved ear

Alejandro Amaya

With his first bull, number 119, "Media Luna", 452 Amaya, opened with Veronicas, and finished with a slow media Veronica, for the remate. After the pic'cing, Alex shared the sticks with one of his subalternos, and placed the first and third pair, al quarteo, and was spectacular. The faena started off with the bull falling down on the first pass, they managed to get him back up with great difficulty, and Amaya managed a few scattered moments, but the toro was clearly out of gas. Alex went for the real steel, and delivered a full,
but caida thrust. The bull died quickly, and Alex was awarded a vuelta, which he politely refused.

With his second animal, number 50, "Marde Nuves", 456 kilos, Amaya did some nice work with the cape, Veronicas, with a nice media Veronica, revolera combination. After the pic'cing, Alex asked for permission to kill the bull, then went over, and dedicated the death of the bull to his stepfather, Jorge Hank Rhon, the former Mayor of Tijuana, and current candidate for the governorship of Baja California. He then went to the bull, and when he unfurled the muleta, there was in large white letters, about 12 inches high, by three inches wide, the message.... "Viva Hank", on the face of the muleta!. A huge bronca erupted, some people screaming insults, some screaming outrage at what they perceived to be the ultimate desecration of the muleta and La Fiesta Brava, in general. As this roar continued, Amaya addressed the bull, and did a great derechazo, and the screams of indignity and outrage, instantly turned to Oles!, loud ones. And so it went, it was actually a pretty good faena, but all the pitos and boos between the tandas, put a kind of veil over the artistic accomplishments of his third act, not to mention the billboard on the front of the muleta. One pinchazo, then a perfect estocada, dropped the bull quickly. Amaya then draped the muleta over the bulls back, massage side up, and walked behind the burladero. No awards.


Juan Antonio Adame

With his first bull, number 12, " Playero" 443 kilos, Adame opened with two farol de rodillas against the fence. He then brought the bull to the horse with Chicuelinas Andantes, muy fino, then a revolera for the remate. After the pic'cing, Juan Antonio placed two pairs of banderillas al quarteo, and one pair al violin, with spectacular results. A really good faena was spoiled by poor sword work, and he heard an aviso. Two pinchazos, and a very low third sword, and it was over. Applausos.

With his second animal, number 66 "Nuevo Sueño", 445 kilos, Adame once again opened with a farol de rodillas, against the boards, then stood up and turned his back to the bull, and took him from behind for one pass, then switched to Veronicas, with a media Veronica, revolera combination, for the remate The bull was very brave against the horse. Even after a very harsh pic'cing, it was difficult to get the toro off of the horse. He was a very noble animal. After three great pairs of banderillas al quarteo, Adame started his faena off with a great Pendulo in los medios, and then he and "Nuevo Sueño" really collaborated for a very memorable performance. Grand passes on both sides that went on and on. Finally, after about sixty passes with the muleta, he lined the bull up for the kill, and the crowd set up a clamor for the Indulto, the pardoning of the bull Adame looked up to the judge, and the judge shook his head no, and told him to kill the bull. He went back to work, and after another long beautiful set of passes, as he lined the bull up for the kill again, another huge petition for the Indulto. The judge said no again. And so this went on for another two times, till on the fourth go around with them going nuts the judge finally complied Indultado for "Nuevo Sueño", and salida en hombros for Adame.

It was a fine corrida, with some very unusual moments. The next corrida will be August the 12th, with Omar Villaseñor, Jose Mauricio, and Victor Mora.

Gary Sloan
 

- Review for July 20 2007 -

By Gary Sloan
www.fotosdetauromaquia.com
(photos by Samuel Vargas)

Friday, the 20th of July at the Hurtado brothers beautiful bullring by the sea, cool overcast weather and about 2500 people were on hand for one bull from "Cerro Viejo" for Rejoneador Jorge Hernandez Garate, and the "Forcados de Mazatlan", and six bulls from "La Estancia", for Matadores Cesar Castañeda, Luis Vilches, and Alejandro Amaya.

Jorge Hernandez Garate

With his one bull, "Patas Verdes", 485 kilos, Jorge made a huge mistake and misjudged the bulls terrain, and his horse was slammed hard, against, and up on to the estribo, and Garate was almost knocked out of the saddle. Then, the bull slammed them again, and came close to tossing both the horse and the rider into the callejon. Finally, the subalternos came to Garates rescue, and took the bull away, not however without some damage too both horse and rider. Garate changed horses, and proceeded with his lidia in pretty much a normal fashion.

Then it was time for the Forcados. Their first attempt to wrestle the bull to a stop, failed, bodies flying through the air! They tried a second time, and were successful in arresting the animal to the spot. They held the bull for some time before he was released. It's too bad they didn't hold the bull a little longer, to wear him down, because it took Garate a long time, two generous avisos, four pinchazos, and two golpes with the descabello, to fell the beast. No awards, a good job by the Forcados though.

 

Cesar Castañeda

With his first toro, "Zarzero", 477 kilos, Cesar couldn't achieve much with the capote. After the pic'cing, Castañeda placed three fine pairs of banderillas in grand fashion. His faena was very good, working well on both sides, he gave the bull the correct lidia, had a good sword, and was awarded with an ear.

With his second animal, "Batato", 446 kilos, Caesar opened with a farol de rodillas against the fence, then he jumped up and did a great set of Veronicas, and finished with a Media Veronica for the remate, huge ovation. Then, he took the bull to the horse with a fine set of Chicuelina Andantes, then took him away with a set of Chicuelina Antiguas, Navarras, with a great revolera for the remate.

Time for the banderillas, the first and second pairs were placed al quarteo with sensational results. The crowd began chanting "cortas", "cortas", so Caesar complied and broke the sticks over the barrera, and the peons pulled the bull up to the burladero, Castañeda positioned himself at the proper distance to execute the suerte. The bull wouldn't play so they had to bring him closer, too close. When Cesar finally managed to get the toro to charge, he was only about six feet away, and that's much to close for this kind of placement. The bull charged, Cesar faked to the left, towards the fence, then to the right, and the toro didn't go for it, and followed Caesar around like he was the engaño. The bull brought his head up, and Castañeda stayed there, and spiked the cortas home, right between the horns, and the bulls head knocked him back, and Cesar escaped.

Thunderous ovation. Cesar did not slow down in the faena, beautiful tandas on both sides, especially the long slow ones on the left. A perfect sword, and he was awarded with a well deserved pair of ears. The cortas, unless someone else does a better pair, and that would almost be impossible, will be the pair of the year, in Tijuana, or any other where else for that matter, they were that good.

Luis Vilches

With his first bull, "Mil Soles", 446 kilos, the bull broke his horn against the burladero, on the first pass around the ring. He was replaced by "Viajero", 462 kilos, and Vilches greeted him with a fine set of Veronicas, and a nice media Veronica, for the remate. The faena started off on the left, and stayed there for almost the entire third act, with mucho temple. However, his sword failed him, and all was lost. Aplausos.

With his second animal, "Marino", 451 kilos, Luis opened with Veronicas grandes, really strong and profound, con mucho estilo de Español, and then snapped off a sensational media Veronica, for the remate. The faena started off with three terrific tandas on the right, low, slow and long. Then he switched to the left, and did more of the same, sensational ! Then towards the end, he did six beautiful slow molinetes, that were a fine climax to a great faena. Once again, bad luck with the sword cost any awards. Aplausos.

Alejandro Amaya

Now for the best. With his first bull, "Vinatero", 442 kilos, Alex did a fine set of very stylish Veronicas, capped off by a slow smooth media Veronica, for the remate. He started the faena on the right. Strong, linked derechazos. After three, or four tandas, he switched to the left, and it was magic time. Alex did four sets of naturals, that were incredible. Low, long, really long, running the hand as far as you possibly can. Linking each pass into a seamless piece of plastic beauty. Three of these naturals were the best I've ever seen in Tijuana, and they were world class in any plaza in the world. They brought tears to my eyes. The sword was half, and Alex went for the descabello right away, and dropped the bull on the first attempt. Incredibly, he received no awards. I thought the faena alone, was worthy of both ears.

With his second animal, "Palma Azul", 473 kilos, it was anticlimactic. Alex had some moments with the capote, and the faena was good, but it wound not come close to the brilliance of his first performance. One pinchazo, then a three quarter thrust, and it was over, aplausos.

And so the day came to an end, with Caesar Castaneda, with three ears, being the triunfador, but I'll never, ever forget those three naturals by Amaya, simply sensational.

Gary Sloan

 

- Review for July 1 2007 -

By Gary Sloan
www.fotosdetauromaquia.com

Sunday, July the first, at the Hurtado brothers "Beautiful Bullring by The Sea", hot but clear skies greeted about six to seven thousand spectators on hand for Matadores Rafael Ortega, Fernando Ochoa, and Omar Villaseñor, with six bulls from, "La Venta Del Refugio".


Rafael Ortega

With his first bull "Aniversario", 510 kilos, Rafa attempted, but accomplished nothing with the capote, he did place his own banderillas, including a par "Al Violin" The faena was decent, especially his naturals on the left. A full sword that was caida, and effective. Vuelta al ruedo.

With his second animal, "Mariscal", 435 kilos, once again nothing with the capote, however he did do a nice set of chicuelinas antiguas, navarras, capped off with a tight rebolera for the remate. The faena started off well, but about halfway through, the bull broke his right front leg at the fetlock, and was completely hobbled, a terrible thing to watch. Fortunately Ortega dispatched the poor beast quickly, and it was over. Nada

Fernando Ochoa

With his first bull "Cuarenton", 470 kilos, Ochoa opened the first tercio with a fine set of Veronicas, and finished with a beautiful Rebolera that just flowed off of his hips, for the the remate. The faena was very good, with Fernando working very well on both sides, but the best was when the bull took a querencia against the barrera, and Fernando took him there with a couple sets of derechazos on the right, then switched to naturals on the left, then sent him away with a terrific pase de pecho, the bull spun back for one more and Fernando did a sensational pase de desdain for the final remate. A full, but slightly caida sword felled the bull quickly, and a well deserved ear was awarded.

With his second toro, "Marinero", 450 kilos, a complete manzo he could do nothing with the capote, except for a set of lances piton y piton to bring the bull to the horse, for which he received a well deserved round of applause. The faena was nothing, as the bull had resolved himself to be the absolute Manzo del Mundo, so Ochoa dispatched him with a full thrust, and heard aplausos.

Omar Villaseñor

With his first bull, "Pingalin", 450 kilos, Omar had a few scattered moments with the big cape. After the first pic, he threw the capote behind his back for a gaonera, and the toro caught him in the back of the thigh on his first try, tossing him high and spinning into the air. Caught him on the way down, and sent him spinning the other way hard into the sand where he continued to maul and trample Omar for a few seconds before help arrived. They picked him up, and carried him dazed and bloodied to the callejon where after inspection by the medicos for more holes, and none were found, he returned for the faena, and proceeded to deliver one of those hair raising suicidal affairs that you see sometimes when a Torero comes back from a tossing and a slight cornada. And then he got caught again, lots of screams in the audience and panic in the ring, but he managed to escape relatively unharmed. And so it went for a few more tandas, all scary stuff. Then Omar lined the bull up and delivered a full sword, killing the animal quickly, dos orejas. Then Omar went to the Infirmary to have his wounds properly attended to.

With his second bull, "Paisano", 450 kilos, another manzo, so nothing with the capote. He tried in the faena but couldn't do much of any thing, but some crowd pleasing tremendismo, after three pinchazos, he managed a full thrust and it was over, nada. As soon as Omar went behind the fence, Ochoa came out and turned to the Judge and raised his finger requesting he be allowed to buy a gift bull, it was granted.

Fernando Ochoa, Toro de Regalo

With his gift bull, "San Martin", no weight posted, and I sure he was from a different ranch, he looked totally different from the other six, tall slim smaller head, but very noble, with lots of embista. Fernando jumped all over him, and did a sensational set of Veronicas, sending the bull away to the left with a great media Veronica, "San Martin" came back for one more, and Ochoa sent him away to the right with a wonderful Larga Cordebesa. The faena was a thing of beauty. Trincherazos to los medios to get things started, then grand tandas on both sides. Crossing the bull to get six and seven linked passes without moving off the spot. Then he got to the real good stuff, executing three perfect "Dos Santinas", bringing the bull all the way around, and sending him away perfectly. It went on this way for several tandas more, with afurlados and pase de pechos, and desdains, for remates. Then Fernando lined him up, and delivered a perfect sword, the bull had only time enough to take two stepts backwards, before he spun around and flipped over dead, patas arriba, huge ovation, and he was awarded with dos orejas, and a perfect finish came to a pretty good corrida.

Once again I took the Five Star Tours bus back to the border, and I absolutely recomend to everyone who
wants to attend the corridas from the USA to take the Five Star Tours bus it's absolutely the quickest, most painless way to gey back.

Saludos,

Gary Sloan

- Review for May 27 2007 -

By Gary Sloan
www.fotosdetauromaquia.com
(photos by gcampos)
 

Sunday May 27th, at the Hurtados brothers beautiful bullring by the sea, Tijuana Baja California, Mexico, good weather, and a crowd of about five or six thousand spectators on hand for matadors Rudolfo Rodriquez, "El Pana", Jose Mauricio, and Victor Mora, with six bulls from "San Martin". The second, third, and the sixth bulls were outstanding.

"El Pana"

With his first bull, "Fernandillo", 535 kilos, Rodriquez did nothing with the capote. The faena was OK, with a couple of moments on both sides. Poor sword work, five pinchazos, and an aviso, cost him any awards.

With his second toro "Ratero", 470 kilos, once again nothing with the capote. After the pic’ing, he placed two pairs of banderillas in the normal fashion, but declined on the third pair, and his subalterno placed them, in grand fashion. The faena was pretty good, with "Pana" doing it on both sides, and getting a lot of support from the crowd. One pinchazos, then a good full thrust, and it was over, Vuelta.

Jose Mauricio

With his first toro, "Gran Pillo", 485 kilos, Jose jumped all over him with the capote, and gave us some terrific Veronicas, and finished with a grand media Veronica for the remate. He took the bull to the horse with a great set of Chicuelinas, and a serpentina to the lance. After the pic he took the bull off the horse with another set of beautiful, low, slow Chicuelinas, and a Larga Cordebesa, for the remate, to a huge ovation, the plaza was in an uproar. He started the faena with a Pendulo, and then proceeded to really deliver the goods. "Gran Pillo" was a magnificent animal, and Jose more than complied. Half way through the faena, I wrote in my notes "Faenon" Strong tandas on both sides. I lost count of the number of passes, but there were a lot. A perfect sword and it was over, dos orejas.

With his second animal, "Asalante", 480 kilos, everything went down hill fast. Nothing with the capote and in the faena the bull had nothing to work with, he tried, but there was nothing to work with. Then it got worse, five pinchazos an aviso, then a completely bajonazo sword, and it was over nada. I must say, that it's amazing how a Torero can have two completely different lidias, one sensational, and one completely disastrous. Ah. How the taurine Gods can smile, and frown down on the same Torero, on the same day.

Victor Mora

With his first toro, "Sin Vereguenza", 500 kilos, the young man from Aguascalientes, gave us some great Veronicas, "cargando la suerte", and capped them off with sharp media Veronica. After the pic, he did a set of terrific Chicuelinas with a rebolera for the remate. Evidently, Victor made a decision not to be out done by Mauricio's first performance, because the faena was sensational. This kid was on fire! After several tandas on both sides, he took the bull on the right, and after three derechazos, he swung the muleta behind his back, and gave us the most rare of all taurine gems, the "Arrucina", for all of you most experienced aficionados, when was the last you saw a Matador perform an "Arrucina"? After several more tandas, he delivered a good sword, and it was over, one ear.
 

With his second animal, "Abigeo", 485 kilos, Victor gave us a farol de rodillas against the boards, and then he stepped up and delivered a great set of Veronicas, and finished with a great media Veronica. He took the bull to the horse with a great set of Chicuelinas Andantes. After the pic, he did a beautiful set of Chicuelina Antiguas, then a great media Veronica for the remate. The faena was grand, terrific stuff on both sides, and it went on, and on. Then he went to the left, and stayed there, and continued to deliver naturales, like they were being dispensed from a machine, over and over, it kept going. Then, without a petition from the crowd, he raised the sword to ask the crowd, what about it, and then looked to the Judge, who told him to kill the bull, so he went back, and did another terrific set of naturales. And now the crowd got into the Indultado frame of mind, but the Judge still would not have it, and so it went like that for several more tandas, all on the left. Finally the Judge caved in, and granted the Indulto. And so the day came to an end, and what a great day it was, good bulls, and two young, hungry Matadors stepping up to the occasion, and a good crowd that was more than rewarded by the quality of the Toreo this afternoon.

Gary Sloan
 

- Review for May 6 2007 -

Sunday, the 6th of May
At the Hurtado brothers beautiful bullring by the sea: six bulls from "Montecristo", for Matadors Fernando Ochoa, Sebastian Castella, and Alejandro Amaya.

Fernando Ochoa

With his first bull, and I'm sorry, but I lost my notes, so I don't have the bulls name, but the weight was 475 kilos, the bull was very distracted, and Ochoa could do nothing with the capote. The bull, however, did come some what to life after he was pic’d. Despite a valiant effort by Ochoa to carve out a good faena, it was not to be as the toro quickly ran out of gas. One pinchazo, then a good sword, and it was over; Aplausos.

With his second animal, the best of the day, Fernando gave us some very good Veronicas, and finished with a fine Media Veronica. The faena was really good. Strong muletazos on both sides, with mucho temple. A great sword that was slightly caida, and the bull died sin puntillo; Dos orejas.

Sebastian Castella

With his first toro, the Matador de France, didn't do much with the capote, as this bull was just like the first, except he was much weaker, and fell down several times. Castella also made a great effort to create something in the faena. A couple of scattered moments, but that was it. A decent sword and it was over. Aplausos, al tercio.

With his second toro, it was a different story, grand Veronicas with the big cape, followed with a crisp Media Veronica, for the remate. The faena started off in a grand fashion, with Castella really turning it on with both the right and left hand, then about halfway through the faena, while attempting a "Dos Santina", he was caught, and tossed high in the air. The bull caught him on the horns on the way down, and tossed him up again, snagged him again on the way down, and slammed him down hard on the arena floor, went after him again, and pummeled him on the ground. When he was finally rescued, he staggered to his feet, with the help of a bunch folks in the ring, and was very wobbly on his feet, what boxers refer to as being on queer street. After a frantic search about his body by his subalternos for holes, he waved everyone off, and put himself right in the same spot, and did several more passes de redondo, had the place in a complete uproar. A great sword and dos orejas were awarded. It was what everyone had come to see, and no one was disappointed.

Alejandro Amaya

With his first bull, Alex did nice work with the capote; his first toro was the better of the first three. He had a very good faena, and was doing it well on both sides, but terrible luck with the sword, five pinchazos, cost him any awards. Boos and pitos.

With his second toro, once again great work with the capote, but it was the faena where he really shined. Working close on both sides, he had a really good faena. Then he had a perfect sword, right in the basket; Dos orejas.

In spite of the condition of the first two bulls, it was a very good afternoon, and for the first time, I rode back to the border on the Five Star Tours bus, and there was no hassle at the border, we were through in ten minutes. I strongly recommend the Five Star Tours program; it's very easy, and avoids all of that dreaded border line crap.

Gary Sloan

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