OSAF Issues Formal Complaint to La Plata Over Stakes Cancellations

International regulations expressly prohibit the rescheduling or cancellation of black-type races

LA PLATA.— At this city’s racetrack, the cancellation or rescheduling of stakes races has, for many years now, become routine, spanning multiple administrations and different racing commissions. However, there is a critical detail: the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA)—the global governing body of the sport—does not allow the alteration (whether by rescheduling or cancellation) of black-type races, except in cases of force majeure and with the mandatory requirement of notifying the regional authority, in this case the Organización Sudamericana de Fomento del SPC (OSAF).

The case of the Luis María Doyhenard Stakes (G3)—which was canceled three times, rescheduled twice, and, at least for now, ultimately scrapped—proved to be the tipping point that led OSAF to formally request an explanation from Hipódromo de La Plata regarding both this situation and a broader pattern of similar actions. This week, the Asociación Bonaerense de Propietarios de SPC Stakes (G3) was also called off, further aggravating the issue.

The regional body has requested a detailed report outlining the changes made to the local stakes calendar throughout 2025 and thus far in 2026. Specifically, it has asked for a full account of all cancellations, postponements, and divisions of black-type races (including Listed, G1, G2, and G3 events), along with the reasons behind each decision.

Additionally, OSAF has asked La Plata officials to specify which article within the General Racing Rules supports or justifies the actions taken regarding these stakes races, given that IFHA regulations explicitly prohibit such measures.

This is far from a minor issue, as it directly impacts the reputation of La Plata and the international grading of its premier races, with the risk of further downgrades looming. It is worth recalling that in recent years, both the Gran Premio Provincia de Buenos Aires and the Gran Premio Joaquín V. González were downgraded from G1 to G2 status, among other losses tied to failure to meet international standards.

For a long time, La Plata operated with considerable latitude in handling its stakes program, a level of manipulation that ultimately affected the selection process of runners and the traditional road toward the Dardo Rocha meeting. It now appears that the situation has reached a breaking point—one that could prove costly if not addressed promptly.