Owners Association Resigns from Position on La Plata Racing Commission

The decision was made due to the "poor and misguided management of the racetrack under Mariano Cowen"

Mariano Fragueiro, President of Owners Association, resigns from position

Unfortunately, the Hipódromo de La Plata seems farther than ever from its golden era. Since the provincial government took control many years ago, bad news has been constant, and the discussions around the sport of racing have dwindled.

Once the home of great jockeys, renowned trainers, and unforgettable champions, the Bosque is falling apart and is currently facing another storm. While it's still uncertain when racing will return, following the ongoing dispute with jockeys over their medical care, early Thursday morning brought yet another blow to the heart of southern politics.

Mariano Fragueiro Frías, President of the Association of Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners, has resigned unequivocally from his position as a member of the racing commission in a letter addressed to Juan Puleston, Director of Racetracks and Casinos of the Provincial Lottery Institute of Buenos Aires.

Fragueiro justified his decision by citing the "poor and misguided administration" of the La Plata racetrack under Mariano Cowen, who was appointed and maintained by the Institute’s authorities. Cowen has demonstrated an absolute lack of knowledge about the industry and a surprising indifference towards resolving or not exacerbating the well-known conflicts, which have caused significant damage to all sectors of the turf industry, particularly to Thoroughbred owners. These owners continue to bear the costs of maintaining their horses while uncertainty prevails regarding the official programs and track access, further impacting the welfare of the Thoroughbreds.

The future of the beloved Bosque is truly uncertain. With meager prize money, no clarity on the fate of the repair fund, a leadership team that seems clueless, and a state that clearly uses the track for political purposes, the clouds are growing ever darker.