Federico Tesio
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Federico Tesio (January 17, 1869 - May 22, 1954) was an Italian statesman and one of the most important breeders of Thoroughbreds in the history of horse racing.
Born in Turin, Federico Tesio obtained a degree in science and architecture. He served in the Italian Army during World War I and in 1939 was appointed to the Italian Senate.
In 1898 he and his wife Lydia Tesio established the Dormello Stud in Dormelletto, Novara on 19 hectares on the banks of Lake Maggiore in northern Italy. While much of the credit for breeding successes is given to him, his wife played an important role in the operation. An owner/breeder who also trained many of his horses, Tesio was a leading horse breeder in Europe for fifty years. He bred three undefeated champions including Nearco, Ribot and Donatello II. He bred 22 winners of the Derby Italiano, and was either an owner or part-owner of 16 of them.
Tesio wrote about horse racing and breeding. His best known works are:
- Tesio: In His Own Words (2005) Russell Meerdink Co. Ltd. (translation of 1947's Puro-Sangue - Animale da Esperimento (The Pure Blood - An Animal of Experimentation) ISBN 0929346769
- Breeding the Racehorse (1958) J. A. Allen & Co. Ltd. ISBN 0851316182
The Federico Tesio Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland is named in his honor. The Premio Lydia Tesio race at the Capannelle Racecourse in Rome is named for his wife.
