El Kodigo Goes for Multiple Titles at the Maroñas Distinctions Ceremony

The Argentine star El Kodigo is nominated for Horse of the Year, Champion Older Horse, and Champion Stayer

El Kodigo after his victory in the latest Ramírez / ORANA MAGNANI

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (Special for Turf Diario).- As part of the celebrations for the reopening of the Hipódromo Nacional de Maroñas, this Sunday will feature a full festival there, with a stellar racing card and a new edition of the Distinciones Maroñas awards, recognizing the best performers of the 2024 season (counting from January 7, 2024, to January 6, 2025).

And just like 12 months ago, an Argentine star threatens to sweep the honors. Following in the footsteps of Ever Daddy (Daddy Long Legs), now it will be El Kodigo aiming to shine on both sides of the Río de la Plata after his unforgettable victory in the Gran Premio José Pedro Ramírez (G1).

Just weeks ago, the Equal Stripes colt from Stud-Haras Juan Antonio was named Horse of the Year, Champion Stayer, and Champion Older Horse at the Carlos Pellegrini awards ceremony held at the Hipódromo de San Isidro in Argentina. Now, the bay who last raced in the Saudi Cup (G1) last February will compete again for those same trophies, pursuing a historic double.

The competition, however, won’t be easy. For Horse of the Year, he faces a challenge from the Triple Crown winner Suablenanav TH (T.H. Approval)—whom he defeated in the Ramírez—and Sí Señor (Señor Candy), winner of the Gran Premio Pedro Piñeyrúa (G1).

The fight for Champion Stayer will be contested against Suablenanav TH and Pluto (Discreetly Mine), while the trio for Champion Older Horse includes Master of Puppers (Put It Back) and again Pluto.

Another hotly contested award is for Mare of the Year, where Best Bright (Can the Man), Dale Flojita (Sloane Avenue), Devassa (Alcorano), and Girona Fever (Texas Fever) are sure to battle closely.

Other nominees include:

• Champion 2-Year-Old Filly: Best Bright, Devassa, and Mottola (City Banker).

• Champion 3-Year-Old Filly: Best Bright, Dale Flojita, and Devassa.

• Champion Sprinter: Metido a Bacana (Put It Back), Girona Fever, and Original Cash (Cape Town).

• Champion 2-Year-Old Colt: Capo Boss (Holy Boss), Nuestro Sueño (The Leopard), and Suablenanav TH.

• Champion 3-Year-Old Colt: Nam Phrik (Hofburg), Sí Señor, and Suablenanav TH.

• Champion Miler: Latte Macchiato (Put It Back), Sí Señor, and Tupungato (Forestry).

• Champion Older Mare: Girona Fever, Linda Dama (The Leopard), and Queens of Club (Victory Is Ours).

• Broodmare of the Year: Flavia (De Pizarra), Forbidden Love (Footstepsinthesand), and Juilliard (Not for Sale).

• Sire of the Year: Sloane Avenue (Candy Ride), T.H. Approval (With Approval), and The Leopard (Storm Cat).

• Breeder of the Year: Haras El Santo, Haras La Concordia, and Haras Phillipson.

• Top Apprentice Jockey: Máximo A. González Casas, Diogo Nicolás González Fassiatto, and Fernanda Rodríguez Gutiérrez.

Uruguay will crown its champions this Sunday, and the anticipation is high.