Equal Mostaza, the perfect seasoning for the longest race

The son of Equal Stripes unleashed a powerful late rally to capture the Clásico General Pueyrredón (G3) over 3000 meters on the turf at San Isidro

Francisco Leandro celebrates with Equal Mostaza as if it were a G1/ JUAN I. BOZZELLO

By Diego H. Mitagstein

When Equal Mostaza hit the wire first in Sunday’s Clásico General Pueyrredón (G3, 3000m, turf) at San Isidro, his jockey Francisco Leandro celebrated as though it had been a top-level prize.

The image, always a beautiful one, perfectly reflected what the country’s longest race means to the racing family. For years, officials had sought to shorten the distance to 2400 meters, a move ultimately blocked by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA).

Fortunately, it now appears that the race will maintain its historic format going forward—a just decision, as those in charge realized the change would have been a mistake. The Pueyrredón is unique, perhaps the last remnant of a type of racing rarely seen anymore: a contest where true stayers can display their stamina.

And maybe, before delving into this 2025 renewal, it’s worth suggesting that the Jockey Club Argentino has an opportunity to do more with this event, to generate excitement and draw people in. A “dead ground” distance series? It wouldn’t be such a bad idea.

As for Equal Mostaza, racing in the silks of Stud Las Monjitas, he continues to take major steps forward in his development. It’s worth recalling that only in May he managed to break his maiden at his fifth attempt.

Distance has been key to his improvement: he was runner-up in the Belgrano (G2) at Palermo, took the Cocles (L) via disqualification, and now shone in the Pueyrredón, stretching out between 2400 and 3000 meters.

Bred by Haras La Nora and by the outstanding Equal Stripes, the chestnut unleashed a relentless rally in the stretch, sealing the win well before the final furlong.

Equal Mostaza likes to get into rhythm gradually, and Leandro knows that perfectly. It was no surprise to see him trailing the field for much of the way, as El Darwin (Il Campione) and The Gladiator’s Hat (Hat Ninja) set a steady pace up front.

The leaders continued their battle deep into the lane, until Equal Mostaza swept by on the outside to win with authority. At the wire, he was two lengths clear of The Gladiator’s Hat and Ninguneando (Bodemeister), who dead-heated for second. The favorite Soñador Spring (Greenspring) was another head back in fourth, with El Darwin two lengths behind in fifth. The final time was 3:11.70.

Trained by Carlos D. Etchechoury and presented by Daniel Bordón, Equal Mostaza is the first foal out of Carta de Amor (Heliostatic), a multiple graded winner who was the first mare to capture a stakes race in the successful colors of Camilo Bautista, and who hails from a family that has thrived at Haras Santa María de Araras.

Equal Mostaza stamped his authority on the Pueyrredón, showing not only stamina to spare but also plenty of class. Now, the plan will be to cut back in trip and aim for the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G1). At Las Monjitas, there’s growing hope of reaching Argentina’s biggest race with a horse arriving at the peak of his powers.