Pedraza de Yeltes Returns, Returns

Pedraza de Yeltes, the Salamanca ranch, presented a remarkable bullfight without picadors in 2024. Their debut in Alicante with a picador bullfight like this Friday's was well received. It is hoped that, following this trend, this ranch from the charro countryside will return to the San Juan and San Pedro Fair in 2026. This afternoon's bullfight was classy, with the inherent challenges of fighting bulls, poorly picador-ed, yet it rose in the final third.

Javier Cuartero, making his debut with picadors, cut three ears. The sixth bull of the afternoon, which he desorejó, was awarded a lap of honour. The poor use of the swords overshadowed the performances of Borja Escudero and Kevin Alcolado by Cuartero's triumph. However, bullfights, like any taurine event, should not last nearly three hours.

He arrived at the Alicante bullring without cape or muleta. He headed to the Bullfighting Museum. He wielded his arguments with the clear power of conviction of words clad in solid reasoning. He infused passion into his intervention. He exposed his heart as a lifelong fan. He made it clear that his attachment to bullfighting is not a passing fancy. It is firmly rooted through family dynasties.

His defence of bullfighting captivated the spectators. The 'performance' grew and grew in intensity until the end. It was confirmed by a long ovation. A genuine one. Without pretence. It was reaffirmed by Patricio Guerrero, president of the 'Puerta Grande' Cultural Bullfighting Association, with a short and sincere gratitude. It happened on April 4th. The echoes of that afternoon still resonate.

She is Eliana Abellán Sánchez, Doctor of Veterinary Sciences. In 2023, she defended her thesis 'Proposal for the Declaration of Bullfighting as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. A necessary claim for the preservation of the fighting bull and its biodiversity' at the University of Murcia. Sponsored by master Luis Francisco Esplá, she obtained the 'cum laude' distinction. That Friday, April 4th, she synthesised that thesis in the conference 'Legal and Social Defence of Bullfighting'. And she did it brilliantly.

Bland the bull. It does not lower its head. It prevents Escudero from shining with the cape. Long puyazo. The Pedraza de Yeltes bull allows itself to be hit at medium height. Escudero's performance grows from less to more, where the young bull shows its class. Escudero's good handling of the muleta and accuracy in heights elevates the tone of his performance. Almost entire contrary stab and seven descabellos. BE, applauded after hearing a notice.

High at the cross, the Pedraza replacement. Kevin Alcolado lances it at medium height. The young bull receives a long rear puyazo in banderillas. It pushes without lowering its head. It puts the banderilleros in trouble in the second third by tossing its head. The novice takes advantage of Alambisco's tempered, though shallow, charge to create a performance that reaches the audience. It was felt more naturally. However, the young bull's condition, due to its lack of head lowering, prevents greater heights. Contrary stab. Ear.

The third bull is a humbler. It allows Cuartero to shine with the cape. The bull is bland. Rear and fallen puyazo. JC's good sense of timing to subdue the classy charges on both sides. Better on the left where the depth of the muletazos is greater. Flourishes before a good bull before a detached stab. Ear.

The fourth bull was a little one in terms of presentation. Cape work by Escudero without much brilliance. Nor were the charges luxurious. Rear and fallen puyazo. The young bull pushes but without excessive head lowering. Low hand work by Borja with the muleta. Especially naturally. Lowered and classy charges to which the novice responded with details of the bullfighting he treasures. He prolonged his performance more than desired before a low stab.

Short journey in the cape reception. Minimal options for KA to shine. The Yeltes bull goes to the horse with readiness. It receives a measured puyazo in a good spot. Kevin shines when bullfighting naturally with depth and timing. Pomposito accepts the challenges with class. It grows. He overdoes the performance. Unsuccessful with the swords. Two contrary half-stabs, detached rear stab and seven descabellos. Silence after two notices.

Short journey in the cape that prevents Cuartero from shining. The bull fights bravely in the horse although its exit is blocked and it is picador-ed from behind. Another one. Cuartero puts intelligence to the benefit of his bullfighting. Series at medium height due to the condition of the Yeltes bull which continues to show class without excessive head lowering. The novice enjoys bullfighting naturally. Molinetes, circulars, flourishes, two-handed bullfighting. Detached stab. Two ears and a lap of honour for the brave Huracán.