Review Madrid – 4 June 2026

The San Isidro Fair once again produced one of those unforgettable afternoons that remain etched in the memory of bullfighting fans. Not because of the number of trophies awarded, but because of the courage and determination displayed by Víctor Hernández, who delivered an epic performance at Madrid’s Las Ventas after suffering two violent bull gores from the sixth bull of the afternoon.

The twenty-fourth event of the San Isidro series attracted another sell-out crowd to the famous bullring. The corrida featured four bulls from Jandilla and two from Santiago Domecq. Although uneven in presentation, several bulls showed notable quality, particularly the first and fourth, both of which offered genuine opportunities for success.

Víctor Hernández’s afternoon was defined by complete commitment. The danger posed by the sixth bull was evident from the very first moments of the cape work. The animal caught the Madrid matador in a spectacular toss that immediately raised concerns for his safety. Undeterred, Hernández returned to face the bull, prepared to risk everything.

The muleta performance unfolded in an atmosphere of intense drama. The bull offered no easy passes and demanded absolute concentration and firmness. Hernández chose to stand his ground, working at very close quarters and exposing himself in every pass while attempting to dominate a difficult and dangerous charge.

As the performance reached its most dramatic point, a second and even more frightening goring occurred. The bull caught him by the waistcoat and hurled him violently through the air, tearing part of his suit of lights. The silence that fell over Las Ventas reflected the concern of the crowd. Yet once again, Hernández rose to his feet and returned to the bull, earning a thunderous ovation for his remarkable courage and fighting spirit.

After a performance filled with emotion, difficulties with the coup de grâce prevented him from achieving a greater reward. Nevertheless, the crowd recognised his effort with a warm ovation after a warning. In his first bull, he had also produced a commendable display, particularly with right-handed passes, building a determined and committed faena that concluded with tightly executed bernadinas. Once again, he was rewarded with an ovation.

Emilio de Justo received the most promising lot of the afternoon. The fourth bull was among the standout animals of the corrida, displaying bravery, mobility and quality in its charges. The Extremaduran matador produced some of the most inspired moments of the day on the left hand, linking together a series of deep and elegant natural passes that connected strongly with the crowd.

However, his hopes of success disappeared with the sword. The final kill proved costly both with this bull and with his first, another demanding but worthwhile opponent. Two silences after warnings left a result that did not reflect the quality of his bullfighting.

Borja Jiménez was also unable to make a decisive impact. The Sevillian showed commitment and professionalism throughout the afternoon but was unable to complete a fully convincing performance with either of his bulls. Difficulties with the sword ultimately prevented any significant recognition from the spectators.

The corrida ended without trophies, but with the feeling that the audience had witnessed a rare display of courage. Víctor Hernández transformed suffering into emotion and produced one of the most memorable images of this year’s San Isidro Fair.