El Gran Premio República Argentina, the centerpiece of the Palermo festival celebrating its 150th anniversary with dream races

Butterfing and Need You Tonight will have their rematch in one of the country's most prized cups, during an afternoon that will feature 6 G1 races and countless attractions for the whole family

The grey Butterfing, with youth on his side / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The Hipódromo de Palermo, the stage where dreams gallop over the dirt and history is written with every stride, dresses in its finest attire this Friday for a celebration that transcends sport. This is no ordinary May 1st; it is the day the colossus at the corner of Avenida del Libertador and Dorrego blows out 150 candles, consolidated as one of the most marvelous icons of our land. Within this framework of nostalgia and prestige, the Gran Premio República Argentina(G1-2000 m) emerges as the diamond of a crown that will shine brighter than ever, inviting families to be part of a festival that beats at the heart of the city.

The track, always a faithful witness to great feats, will grant us a rematch of the kind that stops the clocks. Following the events of the Gran Premio de Honor (G1), the expectation is palpable. On that day, Butterfing (Angiolo) took the laurels, but the echo of victory still resonates with the threat of Need You Tonight (Hat Ninja). The defending champion of the República Argentina was returning from a long absence that afternoon and, even so, sold his defeat dearly as the runner-up. With his engine now broken in and the fresh memory of his coronation in the previous edition, Need You Tonight now seeks to retain his crown in a struggle anticipated to be even tighter, promising an epic battle from the moment the gates open.

But the main feast does not end there. The presence of El Emporio (Il Campione), who comes off completing the trifecta in the Honor, adds a dose of intrigue and respect. It must not be forgotten that his third-place finish marked the end of a staggering streak of 7 consecutive stakes victories on the Palermo dirt; a setback that does not tarnish his class and compels him to seek redemption on the most important afternoon of the year. Joining them is Vota Bien (Hi Happy), who dazzled in 2025 by winning the Clásico Perú (G2) and closed his season with a magnificent fourth-place finish behind champion Obataye (Courtier) on the demanding San Isidro turf in the Carlos Pellegrini (G1). His return to Palermo is one of the great news stories of the day.

Under the premise of "The People's Racecourse," the day has been designed as a comprehensive festival that embraces every visitor. From 12:05 PM, when the gates open for the first of 19 races, adrenaline will be the common thread. The path to glory for the youngsters will begin at 2:05 PM with the Gran Premio Jorge de Atucha (G1), while the great battle for the stayers will take place at 6:20 PM as the thirteenth race. For lovers of pure speed, the Gran Premio Ciudad de Buenos Aires (G1) will provide the finishing touch to the international scale at 7:20 PM.

Beyond the winning post, Palermo has prepared an unprecedented social display. The now-emblematic gastronomic fair and food trucks will offer diverse flavors under the autumn sun, while provincial stands will bring the scent and culture of the interior, reaffirming that the República Argentina is a truly federal festival. For the little ones, in addition to recreational activities, the train to the starting gates will offer a unique and close-up look at the tension of the start—an experience that bolsters passion in new generations.

The emotion will become tangible when the voice of Maggie Cullen sings the Argentine National Anthem, a solemn prelude to an afternoon that will also feature rhythm and joy with a live show by La T y la M. And for those who do not want the magic to end with the final winner, the Casino de Palermo will extend the vibrations until dawn with DJ sets and shows running until 5 AM.

At the windows, the incentive will be historic: 619,000,000 pesos in guaranteed pools and increments distributed across the 19 races, added to the classic roulette to boost winner dividends. It is an invitation to enjoyment, an encounter with our identity, and a mandatory date with the history of a racecourse celebrating 150 years as the lighthouse of national turf. This Friday, Palermo does not just race; Palermo celebrates life, tradition, and that unconditional romance with the thoroughbred.