Knows All Takes On History and the Boys in the Gran Premio 25 de Mayo
- Turf Diario
- May 23
- 3 min read
With just two wins in allowance company, she will look to make a major leap against high-class rivals and become the ninth filly to capture the trophy in the nation’s flagship race
By Diego H. Mitagstein
Given the importance of the race and its distance, the G1 Gran Premio 25 de Mayo (2400m, turf) has historically seen several fillies and mares rise to the occasion, arguably in greater proportion than similar events like the G1 Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini, G1 Gran Premio República Argentina, or G1 Gran Premio Dardo Rocha.
This Sunday, as a new edition unfolds at Hipódromo de San Isidro, the patriotic highlight will feature a lone female representative aiming to join a list of illustrious names that have lifted the trophy before her.
That contender is Knows All, who will take on nine male rivals from the gate at the far end of the backstretch, carrying the colors of Stud-Haras Gran Muñeca—the same silks worn by the ill-fated Full Keid (Full Mast) in his victorious run last year.
Although a mere winner of two condition races, the daughter of Le Blues delivered her top performance when stretched out to 2200 meters in last year’s G2 Clásico Partícula, finishing a close second—just half a head—behind Luz Delito(Lizard Island). Now, she will stretch out even farther and face colts and horses for the first time, in what is clearly a stiff challenge.
Looking back at the history of female winners in the 25 de Mayo, eight names appear, accounting for nine victories. That lineage began in the race’s inaugural running, when La Rubia (Atabor) triumphed over the males.
Another breakthrough came quickly, as Dorine (Aristophanes) won in 1963, a feat matched the following year by her full sister, Doretta.
In 1971, Borobeta (Bonicate) joined the ranks before being exported to the United States, as was Dorine—whose legacy endures through a formidable line of top-level performers.
One of the most distinguished winners was Contraventora (Con Brio), who struck for Stud Triunvirato in 1976, followed by a long drought for female runners in the race.
That streak ended in 1997 when Sea Girl (Royal Roberto), the Río Claro superstar, scored her first victory in the event. She returned to defend her title in 1998, becoming the only filly or mare to win back-to-back editions—a feat previously achieved only by Arturo A. (Argur) in 1961 and 1962.
In 2002, glory returned to the fairer sex through Miss Carry (Numerous), the champion bred by Haras Firmamento, who, under Edgardo Gramática and the training of the late Miguel García, held off Dusek (Contested Bid) by half a length as the heavy favorite.
The most recent mare to win the 25 de Mayo was La Extraña Dama (Catcher In the Rye), who dazzled at San Isidro in 2018 and was later crowned Champion Older Mare of the year in what proved to be her final appearance.
A homebred from Haras de La Pomme, trained by José C. Blanco and ridden by Eduardo O. Pavón, she defeated Marcus Aurelius (Catcher In the Rye) by four lengths that night, with the favorite Stivers (Lasting Approval) faltering.
Now it’s Knows All’s turn to try to etch her name into history. To do so, she’ll need to overcome the likes of Peruvian star Don Feres (Singe the Turf) and G1 winner Acento Final (Treasure Beach) in the 2025 renewal of the Gran Premio 25 de Mayo.
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