La Plata goes into Dardo Rocha mode, the race that brings an entire city to a standstill

A total of 20 runners have been confirmed for the emblematic Gran Premio Dardo Rocha, to be held November 19, with a large crowd expected to fill La Plata’s grandstands for the city’s signature event

Treasure Island, with Francisco Leandro in the irons, captured the Dardo Rocha (G1) in 2024 / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

LA PLATA—The final lineup is set for the 2025 Gran Premio Dardo Rocha (G1, 2400m, dirt), one of Argentina’s most iconic races. Following the withdrawals of Emblematicu (Lucullan) and Tambaqui (True Cause), a full field of 20 runners will head to the gate on November 19, each chasing both glory and the 150 million pesos reserved for the winner.

The headline acts are led by Treasure Island (Treasure Beach), defending his 2024 title; Cuan Chef (Daddy Long Legs), last year’s Gran Premio Nacional (G1) hero at Palermo; and rising 3-year-old Sono Perfetto (Tetaze), fresh off his victory in the Clásico Provincia de Buenos Aires (G2).

Before a sizable crowd, Monday’s post position draw took place with Mariano Cowen and Antonio Rivero, the racecourse’s general administrator and racing commission president, in attendance.

Other notable participants include Albakiara (Hi Happy), Best Portal (Portal del Alto), Célebre Happy (Hi Happy), Cornwall (Remote), Davalos (Hi Happy), Don Champagne (Long Island Sound), El Darwin (Il Campione), Endor Rye (Endorsement), Furious Desain (Furious Key), Lago Nahuel Huapi (Hurricane Cat), Le Quotidien (Le Ken), Mannarino (Cosmic Trigger), Puro Poder Real (Puro Blabla), Seek Wave (Seek Again), Soñador Spring(Greenspring), and The Gladiator’s Hat (Hat Ninja).

The event promises to be a true celebration, with provincial authorities and representatives from the Instituto de Lotería expected to attend, reinforcing official support for both the race and the Hipódromo de La Plata itself.

Several recently completed improvements will also be showcased, including the full installation of a new lighting system, the replacement of the old inner rail, and a renovated paddock area. There are even plans to unveil the next phase of the track’s modernization project—transforming the rear courtyard of the main grandstand into an entertainment and dining complex, part of an ongoing initiative to better integrate the racecourse with the city.

A special touch was added to the draw ceremony with the announcement of a color change for the No. 10 silks, which will now feature sky blue and white, mirroring Argentina’s national soccer jersey—a symbolic homage to the country’s World Cup heroes, Maradona and Messi.

The Gran Premio Dardo Rocha, the signature event of the La Plata season, is expected to attract more than 30,000 spectators, with post time set for 7 p.m. It promises, once again, to be a thrilling and unforgettable spectacle—a day when, as tradition dictates, the turf belongs to the people.