Francisco Leandro returns to Argentina with a confirmed date to return to the saddle

The Brazilian jockey will arrive in the country on November 10 and will be cleared to compete starting the following day.Following his stints in Japan and Dubai, he will remain through April, when he is set to return to the JRA circuit.Maximiliano Reigert will act as his agent, and Stay Tune could hand him a major opportunity in the Gran Premio Nacional

Argentine racing is on the verge of welcoming back one of its standout stars of recent times. Francisco Leandro is all set to return to the country on November 10 and expects to be cleared to race just 24 hours later, ending an absence that was deeply felt across local tracks.

The Brazilian jockey—who dominated the riders' standings for several seasons and became one of the circuit's most respected professionals—returns following an extensive international campaign that took him to Japan as well as the United Arab Emirates.

His latest venture played out on Japan's demanding racing circuit, where he initially competed under the Japan Racing Association (JRA) before continuing to gain experience across the tracks of the National Association of Racing (NAR). Two distinct yet fiercely competitive environments allowed him to further hone his skills in one of the world's premier racing nations.

Prior to that, he had been a fixture at the most recent Dubai International Carnival at Meydan, adding another prominent chapter to a career that transcended Argentine borders long ago.

While Leandro’s return will not be permanent just yet, it will cover an extended period. His plan is to remain in Argentina through April 2027, at which point he is tentatively set to travel back to Japan to fulfill a new four-month JRA license, granted on the heels of his strong performance during his initial stint on that circuit.

That makes for a stay of roughly five months—plenty of time to see him back in the irons for the calendar's major meetings and for him to reclaim the leading role that made him an undeniable benchmark among local jockeys.Following that second stint in the Land of the Rising Sun, he plans to relocate to Argentina permanently.

For this new chapter, Maximiliano Reichert will handle his book of mounts, a key role in structuring a schedule sure to be packed with high-profile commitments.

Naturally, one of the partnerships generating the greatest anticipation is his ongoing link with Stud Las Monjitas,whose silks he has defended on countless occasions while building a enormously successful association, particularly in top-tier events.

The timing of his return could even yield an ideal synergy. Stay Tune (Fortify), recent winner of the Gran Premio Jockey Club (G1), is among the entries for the Gran Premio Nacional (G1) at Palermo, and the prospect of Leandroreuniting with the colt stands out as both an enticing and symbolic possibility, though not yet officially confirmed.

It would mark a fitting reunion with the Argentine racing public: riding in the Derby aboard one of the generation's premier colts while sporting the colors of a stable that holds a special place in his career.

His absence left a void that proved hard to fill. Through sheer quality, consistency, tactical intelligence, and remarkable efficiency in major contests, Leandro set an exceptionally high standard during his campaigns in Argentina.

Now, after accumulating mileage, experience, and accolades on some of the world's most prestigious stages, he is ready to return home, trackside speaking. It comes as welcome news for owners, trainers, and racing fans alike, who regain a rider capable of elevating the standard of any race meeting.

The date is set on the calendar, and Argentine racing has every reason to celebrate.