Kopke Returned to Winning Ways and Brought Another Major Celebration for Las Monjitas on the Palermo Turf
- Turf Diario
- Aug 8
- 2 min read
Ridden by Kevin Banegas and trained by Carlos D. Etchechoury, the son of Hi Happy narrowly captured the Clásico República Federativa del Brasil (G3) over El Gazpacho
Once Again, the turf track at Hipódromo Palermo provided a major triumph for the team comprising trainer Carlos D. Etchechoury, jockey Kevin Banegas, and Stud Las Monjitas. Last Saturday, the group celebrated together following the courageous victory of Equal Mostaza (Equal Stripes) in the Clásico Comparación (G2).
On Friday, the partnership reassembled for another memorable winner's circle frame in the Clásico República Federativa del Brasil (G3-1,600 m, heavy turf)—part of the day's stakes double—courtesy of Kopke, who recaptured his best form following a few subpar outings.
Unleashing a sustained and resolute late rally, the son of Hi Happy prevailed by a half-head over the consistent El Gazpacho (Bodemeister) in a finish as thrilling as the one delivered by Equal Mostaza.
Following a standout 2025 campaign—highlighted by a victory in the Clásico Ecuador (G2) and a second-place finish in the Gran Premio San Isidro (G1)—the Haras La Providencia homebred had lost his way after failing in the Gran Premio Joaquín S. de Anchorena (G1). He returned months later in the Carreras de las Estrellas Mile (G1), where disappointment lingered once more. A slight step forward in the Clásico Japón (L) set the table for Friday's breakthrough, where he finally found the winner's enclosure.
In a race dictated by pacemaker Grand Canyon (Long Island Sound), who was relentlessly pressured by Mister Coquette (Bodemeister), the winner never traveled too far off the lead, waiting for the home stretch to make his move over heavy conditions.
Entering the final stretch, El Gazpacho launched his bid along the rail while Kopke ranged up wide. The duo engaged in a stride-for-stride duel from the 300-meter mark onward, with Kopke sticking his nose out at the line in a final time of 1m41s41/100. El Ernesto (Señor Candy) finished third a length back, while favorite Bronx (Qué Vida Buena) crossed in fifth, just 2 3/4 lengths off the winner.
The win marked the fifth career victory in just 14 starts for Kopke, who enters the key stretch of the season with renewed confidence and eyes on re-establishing himself as a premier middle-distance performer.
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