Antonio Rivero Takes the Reins at El Bosque and Ignites Hope

The jockey was appointed as the new President of the Racing Commission; his arrival was warmly welcomed by all. With strong support, a deep sense of belonging, and a motivated team, he promises to revive southern turf racing

Antonio Rivero (center), a beacon of hope for La Plata / LOTERÍA PBA

By Diego H. Mitagstein

Antonio Fabián Rivero is happy, enthusiastic, and honored. The Instituto de Lotería y Casinos de la Provincia de Buenos Aires has just appointed him as the new President of the Racing Commission at the La Plata Racecourse, making him the first former jockey to hold such an important position at one of Argentina’s major tracks.

“Juan Carlos Noriega just called me a little while ago, congratulated me, and gave me the news,” says Fabi, a true son of La Plata and a significant figure in the turf history of El Bosque. From now on, he will carry a huge responsibility and a beautiful commitment: to restore the beloved eucalyptus-lined racecourse to the prestigious place it once held for so many years.

Retired since 2020, with over 1,900 wins and in charge of the Southern Apprentices School, Rivero confesses, “They approached me some time ago, working quietly between the racecourse and Lotería. We met, talked, and I took about a month to decide because I needed to think it through carefully. Now, here I am — very hopeful and excited.”

Rivero has a dream: “We need to improve La Plata, to return it to what it used to be. I have all the support to try and make it happen. There have been many changes, such as the appointment of Alejandro Marozzi as the new Racing Manager, and I have a work team that excites me, full of enthusiasm, just as the racecourse deserves.”

Aware that the road ahead won’t be easy, he says, “I’ll need everyone’s cooperation. Things need to be put in order, and if necessary, we’ll have to be firm to ensure everything is serious and as we dream it. One person alone can’t do it, but I believe I have a strong team behind me, and I think change is possible. I’m very hopeful. I’m from here, I love La Plata, and with honesty and hard work, I want the racecourse to be on top.”

Rivero mentions that, for the first time, a representative of the Exercise Riders (Vareadores) will be on the commission, Lucas Vera, and that he will continue leading the Apprentices School, as he has for many years.

Among his plans is to “Value the owners as they deserve. I want the best horses to return to La Plata, the best professionals, because everything contributes to making the spectacle better and of higher quality. I aim to stand alongside the jockeys and grooms because they are fundamental pillars and need to feel comfortable.”

“The health of the riders is very important, and luckily that’s almost settled. We’ll also do everything possible to avoid race cancellations, which don’t help and harm the entire turf community. It’s a priority to improve the issues that caused many races to be canceled this year. We’ll be strict where necessary — for example, with the scales, where irregularities happened. Jockeys have to set the example.”

Antonio Rivero has the full support of Gonzalo Atanasof, President of Lotería, and Mariano Cowen, Administrator of the Racecourse. Thanks to the decision to promote the former rider as President of the body managing the racecourse, the turf community of El Bosque woke up this Friday with a huge smile, renewed spirit, and hope that the Bosque will regain its magic.

“That’s what I want, that’s what I’ll work for,” closes Fabián. Happy.