El Pueyrredón remains true to form; tradition wins the day

The country’s longest race will keep its 3000 meters following the International Federation’s veto of the proposal to shorten it to 2400. San Isidro has already abandoned the idea—so could a dedicated circuit for stamina specialists be on the horizon?

G1 winner Epityrum is entered in the Pueyrredón / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The last season brought the announcement that the Clásico General Pueyrredón (G3 – 3000m, turf), Argentina’s longest race, would be shortened to 2400 meters and folded into the path to the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G1)—a decision that met with widespread public disapproval.

Ultimately, the change couldn’t be implemented as the proposal was rejected by the International Federation. This Sunday, the 2025 edition will run at its traditional 3,000 meters.

The best news is that, with time passing, San Isidro Racecourse—the event’s host—realized that reducing the distance was a mistake, and the idea has now been shelved. The next step could be to develop a specialized circuit for stayers (beyond the mile and a half), akin to the English turf scene. This wouldn’t necessarily require graded races initially, but it would provide a platform where stamina specialists can fully showcase their talents.

With that in mind, the Pueyrredón arrives to headline the week at the Jockey Club, with a likely field of 12 runners led by G1 winner Epityrum (Portal del Alto) and the rising Equal Mostaza (Equal Stripes).

Other entrants include the mare Contrast (Safety Check), Demostrame (Endorsement), El Darwin (Il Campione), Es Asombroso (Es Después), Halteres (Hat Ninja), Ninguneando (Bodemeister), Q Poderoso (Forty One), Soñador Spring (Greenspring), Southern Secret (Southern Cat), and The Gladiator’s Hat (Hat Ninja).

Looking ahead to Friday, the northern track will feature the Handicap Gran Copa Rotary as its main event—set for 1300 meters on the dirt, open to horses aged five and older. The 16 entries include prominent names such as Estero de Ibera (Il Campione, 61 ½ kg), Burgess Shale (Safety Check, 61 kg), Rugiente (Il Campione, 58 ½ kg), Torino Kiin Ha(Señor Candy, 58 ½ kg), and El Despertar (Il Campione, 57 kg).

Meanwhile, on Wednesday the 20th at San Isidro, attention will turn to the Handicap Cipayo (1600m, dirt), for mares aged five and up. Among the 18 probable starters, topweight of 59 ½ kilos falls on Aiyanna (Santillano), with Pecadora Joy (Fortify, 60 kg) another intriguing contender.

Forfeits and jockey declarations can be submitted until noon Tuesday, with final fields and post times to be announced later that afternoon.