Italian race horse, Laghat, has won 19 races out of 81 and has raked in a total 87,000 prize money, despite being blind from birth. Born at San Rossore, Pisa, on the estate of leading Italian horse breeders Azienda Agricola Rosati Colarieti, Laghat was discovered by amateur jockey Federico De Paola who realised that the young animals chronic restlessness was due to the fact that, in his sightless condition, he hated being alone in his stable.
De Paolo bought him and housed him in a paddock along with an old horse of his own. Laghats morale was raised at once and De Paolo, perceiving his potential, began to ride him in races. Despite his handicap, Laghat has proved to be of champion status, winning not only 19 races but coming in second or third in many others.
His owner says he has second sight in addition to better-than-normal hearing and seems to instinctively find his way as he charges at top speed among his competitors.
He doesnt like losing, says De Paolo. Hes in a bad mood afterwards and ill-treats Celeste, his new companion after his old friend died.
De Paolo raises 14 other horses, but confesses he has a very special bond with Laghat: Hes the only one with an inner light! he says.
