Hipódromo de Maroñas Will Shorten the Gran Premio Nacional Distance to 2200 Meters Starting in 2027

The Advisory Committee confirmed several changes to next season's stakes schedule, highlighted by the reduction in distance for the local Derby

The stakes schedule at Hipódromo Nacional de Maroñas will undergo one of its most significant transformations in decades starting in 2027. The Advisory Committee approved a series of modifications affecting several of the most traditional races on the Uruguayan program, highlighted by a decision that stands above all others: the Gran Premio Nacional will abandon its historic 2500-meter distance to be contested over 2200 meters.

It is a measure that will inevitably spark debate between defenders of tradition and those who see a need to adapt stayer races to the realities of modern thoroughbred racing. What is certain is that the Nacional, one of the most iconic events on the local calendar, will shift its profile and demand a different type of racehorse, placing greater emphasis on sustained speed rather than extreme endurance.

Although this decision carries a major impact for Uruguayan racing, it is not an unprecedented move on the global stage. A landmark precedent was set by the Prix du Jockey Club (G1), the French Derby, which in 2005 shortened its distance from 2400 to 2100 meters—a modification that remains in place today and redefined the profile of one of Europe’s most prestigious races. While recognizing the differences between the two settings, the determination adopted at Maroñas responds to a trend aimed at aligning major events with the characteristics of the contemporary racehorse and international programs.

The distance reduction for the Nacional will undoubtedly be the decision capturing the most attention when the new schedule takes effect. However, it will not be the only major modification.

Another historic race undergoing a significant change is the Gran Premio Municipal, which will shorten from 2400 to 2000 meters. Furthermore, efforts will be made so that its winner receives a $10,000 bonus exclusively intended to facilitate participation in the Gran Premio República Argentina (G1), contested every May 1st at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, in Argentina. The incentive will only apply if the winner travels and takes part in the Buenos Aires feature—an initiative designed to strengthen the international presence of Uruguayan horses and further tighten the sporting bonds between both countries.

By contrast, the Clásico Presidente de la República will maintain its structure intact. It will continue to be run over 2400 meters on the day of the Pollas, preserving its status as one of the ultimate staying tests for older horses at that point in the season.

The changes will also extend to the turf schedule. The Gran Premio de Honor will extend its distance from 2400 to 2500 meters, becoming the most demanding test on the grass course. Meanwhile, the Gran Premio Manuel Quintela will increase from 2100 to 2200 meters on the turf and join the programming for the traditional January 6th card, sharing the stage with the grand festival of the Gran Premio José Pedro Ramírez—a decision sure to elevate the status of that fixture. Additionally, the Gran Premio Maroñas, another key element of Three Kings' Day, will be contested over 1200 meters starting in 2027, moving away from its traditional 1000-meter distance.

The adjustments do not end there. It was also resolved to task the Racing Committee with evaluating one of the existing 1600-meter stakes events with the goal of converting it into a 2000-meter competition, seeking to fortify the middle-distance division within the stakes calendar.

Taken together, these decisions reflect a clear intent to reorganize the Maroñas program, redistributing distances to build a more balanced ladder between middle-distance and staying events. Some races shorten their trip while others lengthen it, as the Nacional leaves behind a historic hallmark to adapt to a new reality. As usually happens when races steeped in decades of tradition are altered, time will deliver the ultimate verdict. What already seems indisputable is that 2027 will mark the beginning of a new era for the Uruguayan stakes calendar, with a 2200-meter Gran Premio Nacional standing as the primary symbol of a reform poised to reshape local racing for many years to come.