Native Extreme, Moreira Spark Another Unforgettable Ramírez at Maroñas

The Brazilian runner edged the game Pluto by a neck, with heavy favorite Obstable finishing third, after a ride that sparked countless reactions

Wide on the course, Native Extreme got the better of Pluto; behind them came heavy favorite Obstacle / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

By Diego H. Mitagstein (Special correspondent of Turf Diario to Montevideo, Uruguay)

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (From a special correspondent).— What the Gran Premio José Pedro Ramírez (G1–2400m, dirt) generates—the pinnacle of Uruguayan racing and one of South America’s cornerstone events—is truly special.

With the Hipódromo Nacional de Maroñas as its unique and irreplaceable stage, passion running high among everyone who comes to live it, and the wonderful spectacle that so often unfolds on the track, the result is a complete, unforgettable cocktail—one of those shows that, once it ends, makes the wait to see it again feel endless.

The 2026 renewal of this Three Kings’ Day gift for racing fans delivered on all counts—and then some. There was Lanfranco Dettori’s presence and victory aboard Soy Poronguero (Can the Man), the crowning of Argentina’s Martana (Fortify) in the G1 Gran Premio Ciudad de Montevideo, and, of course, the superb triumph of Brazil’s Native Extreme in the Ramírez under the masterful, irresistible hand of João Moreira.

The continent’s first G1 of the year left plenty to talk about, on a day when the organization was flawless—Maroñas’ team rising to the occasion and passing the test with flying colors.

Native Extreme’s success was as widely discussed as the defeat of heavy favorite Obstacle (Hofburg), who finished third after a ride by Everton Rodrigues that sparked a storm of commentary across social media.

The colt looked virtually unbeatable after his 17-length demolition in the Gran Premio Nacional (G1). But when it mattered most, a series of setbacks conspired to turn third place into a bitter disappointment.

At the other end of the spectrum, while Rodrigues absorbed waves of criticism, Moreira once again drew nothing but praise—showcasing his class and international touch to give Native Extreme and his ownership group an unforgettable moment in the race everyone on this side of the Río de la Plata dreams of winning.

From the break, Obstacle seized the lead effortlessly and everything seemed to be unfolding as expected. But within seconds the picture changed dramatically.

Rodrigues began restraining the colt, sharply—twisting his head, upsetting him—while Mucho Loco (Alcorano) drew alongside, compounding the favorite’s problems.

With his mouth open, tossing his head, never able to relax, Obstacle spent the race fighting himself, with Mucho Loco refusing to give him any respite. Meanwhile, Moreira had Native Extreme settled in third, with Pluto a length farther back—both biding their time for the stretch.

The favorite tried to break free midway around the far turn, but the battle with himself and his rider proved costly. Empty when it counted, he folded in the straight as Native Extreme and Pluto (Discreetly Mine) swept past on the outside to seize control of the finish.

It was redemption for the Stud Los Mareados runner, avenging a recent defeat by the same rival who had relegated him to third in the Comparación (L), and capping a campaign in which he never finished worse than third while showing steady, tangible improvement.

The margin was just a neck over his gallant runner-up, with Obstacle, beaten by circumstances, finishing a further four lengths back in third. Pre-race, the chestnut had lost a shoe, and within his camp that incident became the root of all that followed. The prevailing feeling was that, given the way the race unfolded, not even Invasor (Candy Stripes) could have won under those conditions.

In staying races, relaxation is everything—exactly the opposite of what the Stud Duplo Ouro colt endured. He may now continue his career in the United States under Paulo Lobo, according to reports.

Native Extreme, for his part, touched the sky and sent a clear message that his best days may still be ahead, with the G1 Gran Premio Latinoamericano at Monterrico (on turf) emerging as a possible future target.

Special mention must go to Pluto who, in his third Ramírez, came closer than ever after finishing fifth and third previously. At seven, he is a warrior who commands respect and admiration.

Native Extreme’s victory also allowed João Moreira to complete a remarkable treble—winning, in just over three months, the Latino, the Pellegrini (G1) and the Ramírez, the first two aboard Obataye (Courtier).

To close, Haras Santa María de Araras shone once again on the continental stage, for the umpteenth time. The Ramírez has come and gone—an incomparable celebration.