Review Madrid – 30 May 2026

Diego Ventura added another remarkable chapter to his outstanding career at Madrid’s Las Ventas bullring on Saturday. The Hispano-Portuguese rejoneador opened the famous Puerta Grande for the twentieth time after a commanding performance in the second rejones event of the 2026 San Isidro Fair, held before a completely sold-out crowd.

There was a major occasion atmosphere around the bullring long before the paseo began. Madrid expected another masterclass from Ventura, and the rider delivered with a committed and high-quality display against the fifth bull from María Guiomar Cortés de Moura, an animal whose rhythm and mobility allowed the rejoneador to fully express his artistry.

From the opening moments of the contest, Ventura brought intensity and precision to his work. Riding ‘Nómada’, he quickly connected with the spectators thanks to his closeness and control in every manoeuvre. The crowd became fully engaged when ‘Bronce’ entered the arena, with Ventura producing some of the afternoon’s most thrilling moments, including spectacular bridleless banderillas that brought Las Ventas to its feet.

The performance maintained its momentum until the end, completed with short banderillas aboard ‘Brillante’. Although he needed a second attempt with the killing rejón, the overwhelming public response convinced the president to award two ears, securing yet another Puerta Grande for the most successful rejoneador in modern Madrid history.

Ventura had already shown his class with his first bull. He rode side-on with tremendous exposure and accuracy, particularly aboard ‘Quirico’ and ‘Lío’. The use of the steel prevented a greater reward after a performance of considerable artistic merit.

Lea Vicens also enjoyed an impressive afternoon and once again demonstrated her strong connection with the Madrid crowd. The French rider cut one ear from the third bull following a composed and elegant performance. Riding ‘Jocker’ and ‘Diluvio’, she placed several highly acclaimed banderillas before ending the faena with roses aboard ‘Fermín’.

She continued to show quality in the sixth. Her long-distance approaches and frontal riding on ‘Bético’ were warmly received by the crowd, while ‘Aladín’ helped raise the artistic level of the performance even further. However, a lack of precision with the final rejón denied her another trophy.

Meanwhile, Rui Fernandes displayed experience and composure throughout the afternoon. The Portuguese rider particularly stood out in the quiebros and side-on riding with ‘Quito’, while also producing eye-catching moments aboard ‘Mistral’. His pirouettes in the bull’s face and willingness to take risks were appreciated by the audience, although problems with the killing rejón limited his reward in both appearances.

The bulls from María Guiomar Cortés de Moura provided opportunities for success and contributed to an entertaining and lively afternoon for the spectators. San Isidro therefore enjoyed another memorable day at Las Ventas, marked by a fresh exhibition from Diego Ventura and yet another historic achievement in his long relationship with Madrid’s monumental bullring.