Mariano Penna, heir to a lifelong passion for racing and a trainer of major winners, has passed away

The son of Julio Penna, brother of Julio and Guillermo, and nephew of Angel, passed away Wednesday at the age of 64. He will be laid to rest this afternoon from 1 p.m. at Jardín de Paz

Mariano Penna, a distinguished trainer and an even finer person

Mariano Penna passed away Wednesday at the age of 64, leaving the Argentine racing community with a profound sense of loss. A genuinely good man, his health betrayed him, and he was unable to overcome it; the news came as a shock to many.

Part of one of the most illustrious families in Argentine turf, brother to Julio and Guillermo, trainer, businessman, but above all, a passionate devotee of horses and horse racing.

In the 1980s, he began following the family tradition in training, and he achieved notable success. He conditioned standout runners such as Legithor (Halpern Bay), with whom he captured the Gran Premio Montevideo (G1), and Bobsy (Pepenador), winner of the Gran Premio Santiago Luro (G1). He was also responsible for Cintilla (Cinco Grande), Petrolero (Pepenador), the speedy Dorian Night (Aetolian) and Rebel (Ringaro), all of whom scored stakes victories under his care.

By the mid-1990s, he stepped away from the stud to pursue private ventures, but he eventually returned to his passion, establishing a small operation in San Isidro in recent years to continue adding winners to his record. Just last Sunday, Playa Chopera (Treasure Beach) delivered what would be his final winner’s circle moment, though he was unable to witness it in person due to his health struggles.

Mariano was admired for many reasons, and loved by even more, especially for his gentlemanly nature and kindness.

Son of Julio Penna, whose brother Angel Penna made history internationally, and cousin to Angel Penna Jr., who also passed away recently, Mariano Penna left a lasting mark on the sport. The outpouring of grief on social media over the past hours is a testament to his impact.

He will be laid to rest today from 1 p.m. at Jardín de Paz.