Breeders' Cup to Argentina: 35 Years of Estrellas' Enduring Legacy

Taking inspiration from the Breeders' Cup, Argentina's Carreras de las Estrellas became a cornerstone of its local racing scene and a key example of the sport's continued global expansion

Palermo's 2018 Classic Captured by The Great Day / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

By Diego H. Mitagstein

The Carreras de las Estrellas series is set to light up this Saturday at Hipódromo de Palermo, marking its 35th edition. One of the premiers Argentine racing festivals is a unique day, gathering G1 contests featuring some of the nation's top contenders. It carries a special aura, combining adrenaline, anticipation, prestige, and the pursuit of glory. The Estrellas aren't just a series of races; they're a celebration, a modern classic that has earned its place among the most significant events on the national calendar. And, clearly, they're also a model for others.

The global trend of high-impact race days, featuring top-level races on a single date—attracting stars, crowds, sponsors, television coverage, and betting—owes much to the Breeders' Cup. That revolution forever changed how the world viewed horse racing. Created in the United States in 1984, the American series was a spark that ignited the imagination of many and continues to lead the way.

The flame quickly reached Argentina. Just five years later, in 1989, the Carreras de las Estrellas were born, spearheaded by the Fundación Equina Argentina, a private non-profit organization. It championed an innovative concept: rewarding the best, promoting the sport, stimulating breeders, owners, trainers, and jockeys, and delivering an unforgettable spectacle for the public. It was the first experience of its kind in South America and rapidly became a benchmark.

The formula worked. The Estrellas grew in prestige and attendance, eventually becoming a must-attend event. From its inception, unforgettable stars emerged, finding their dream consecration in these races. Names like Miss Terrible (Numerous), Refinado Tom (Shy Tom), El Compinche (Southern Halo), and Potrillón (Ahmad)—champions of all types—strengthened the series.

But the phenomenon wasn't confined to Argentina. Uruguay took note, and since 2002, they've organized their Campeones day at Maroñas, following the same logic: bringing together major races with the best local talent. In Chile, the Jornada de los Criadores has become one of the calendar's most anticipated events, hosted at Club Hípico de Santiago and Hipódromo Chile. Even in Brazil, where the classic system is somewhat more rigid, initiatives like the Copas de Criadores have been promoted, grouping stellar races on strategic dates.

Internationally, the trend is clear. The QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot, established in 2011, brings together Europe's best on a single day. The Dubai World Cup and the Saudi Cup offer opulent spectacles with millionaire purses and horses from every corner of the globe. And, of course, the Breeders' Cup remains the ultimate reference: a series that condenses the best of global racing into two days that captivate the entire racing world.

All these initiatives share a common goal: concentrating excellence, creating events that transcend the purely sporting, and transforming races into unforgettable experiences. The Estrellas, pioneers in Latin America, continue to fulfill that mandate. With each edition, they renew their commitment to spectacle, quality, and excitement.

This Saturday, Hipódromo de Palermo will again witness this phenomenon. There will be nine races in the series, including the highly anticipated Grandes Premios Estrellas Classic (G1), Distaff (G1), Juvenile (G1), Juvenile Fillies (G1), Mile (G1), and Sprint (G1). These races often deliver not only thrilling finishes but also hints of future stars; what happens in the Estrellas frequently sets the tone for the second half of the year.

Beyond the prizes and glory, there's a story. A story born with the Breeders' Cup as its muse, but one that found its own identity in Argentina. It's a story now 35 years old, one that has weathered crises, transformations, and generations, and it remains vibrant, with the same passion that gave it birth.

The Estrellas are ready to shine again. And Palermo will be the stage where Argentine racing pays tribute to its greatest protagonists.