El Kodigo Sweeps Pellegrini Awards, Named Horse of the Year

The son of Equal Stripes also took home honors as Champion Older Horse and Champion Stayer, capping a dominant season. Labrado secured his third title as Champion Sprinter, while Full Serrano earned the coveted Pellegrini of the Year award following his victory in the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt

El Kodigo put together a sensational campaign in 2024 / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The 46th edition of the Distinciones Carlos Pellegrini crowned El Kodigo as its undisputed star, as the son of Equal Stripes walked away with the titles of Horse of the Year, Champion Older Horse, and Champion Stayer, while also playing a central role in the honors awarded to I’m Moving On (Not for Sale) as Broodmare of the Year, and Juan Antonio as Owner of the Year.

Capping an extraordinary 2024 campaign, El Kodigo won the G1 Gran Premio República Argentina, G1 Gran Premio General San Martín, and G1 Gran Premio Copa de Oro, in addition to victories in the G2 Clásico General Belgrano, G2 Clásico Vicente L. Casares, G2 Clásico Comparación, and a gallant runner-up finish in the G1 Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini. His résumé left little doubt when it came time for recognition.

To earn top honors, the powerhouse stayer bested Intense for Me (Fortify), his conqueror in the season finale, and the brilliant sprinter Labrado (Le Blues), who nevertheless added another chapter to his own remarkable story by claiming a historic third straight title as Champion Sprinter. A triple G1 winner in 2024—Gran Premio Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Estrellas Sprint, and Maipú—Labrado was also runner-up in the G1 Suipacha and G1 Alzaga Unzué.

In a controversial decision, Brienne Trigger (Cosmic Trigger) edged Nanabush (Il Campione) to be named Champion Older Mare, though the tables turned when it came to Filly of the Year, with the Santa Inés homebred Nanabush prevailing in that category. It wouldn’t be the Pellegrinis without a few surprises.

The Estrellas meeting weighed heavily on the juvenile divisions: Quita Rim (Remote) was named Champion Two-Year-Old Filly, and Colifato Novo (Lenovo) captured Champion Two-Year-Old Colt honors. Among the sophomores, the unbeaten Inconmensurable (Cosmic Trigger) took the crown for the fillies after winning the G1 Gran Premio Selección, while Cuan Chef (Daddy Long Legs) was recognized as the top colt following his victory in the G1 Gran Premio Nacional.

In the mile division, El Que Sabe (Il Campione) was named Champion Miler after a decisive win in the G1 Joaquín S. de Anchorena, edging out the otherwise more consistent Nanabush.

Among professionals, Francisco Leandro secured his eighth Jockey of the Year award—his seventh in a row—while rising star Lucas González took home the Apprentice Jockey of the Year trophy. For the first time in his career, Nicolás Martín Ferro was honored as Trainer of the Year.

Breeding categories, often settled by statistics, saw Il Campione (Scat Daddy) repeat as Leading Sire, Orpen (Lure) as Leading Broodmare Sire for a fifth consecutive year, and Haras El Paraíso earn a third straight Breeder of the Year award.

Held on the fourth floor of the Official Stand at the Hipódromo de San Isidro, the awards ceremony also included several special recognitions. Juan Carlos Noriega and Roberto Mariano Bullrich were honored for their illustrious careers, while the international victories of Subsanador (Fortify), Full Serrano (Full Mast), Didia (Orpen), and Ever Daddy (Daddy Long Legs) were rightfully celebrated.

A heartfelt moment came with the acknowledgment of Adrián R. Rivero, a dedicated member of Nicolás Martín Ferro’s team, for his contributions to the sport. The Argentine Owners Association and the Buenos Aires Provincial Lottery Institute were also recognized for their support.

The night concluded with Jockey Club Argentino President Juan Villar Urquiza presenting the prestigious Pellegrini of the Year award to Full Serrano, whose dramatic and historic triumph in the GI Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Del Mar will long be remembered. It was, without question, a most fitting tribute.