Palermo to backtrack and keep El Nacional at 2500 meters in 2027

As learned by Turf Diario, the Hipódromo de Palermo has reportedly decided against submitting its request to IRPACto shorten the Derby to 2,100 meters, following intense backlash within the industry alongside various internal and international objections; the matter, however, could be revisited for discussion ahead of 2028

By Diego H. Mitagstein

Nothing is official yet, but Turf Diario is in a position to report that the Gran Premio Nacional (G1) will retain its traditional 2,500-meter distance, at least through 2027. The Hipódromo de Palermo has reportedly decided not to submit its request to reduce the distance of its most prestigious contest to 2,100 meters to the International Grading and Race Planning Advisory Committee (IRPAC), a body affiliated with the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), following the massive backlash the initiative sparked throughout the racing community.

Several factors appear to have driven this—perhaps temporary—step back regarding a modification that had raised immediate alarms upon its disclosure.

On one hand, the overwhelming opposition voiced by key industry stakeholders against the initial decision taken by the Committee for Quality Control of the Stakes Calendar carried significant weight. The prospect of altering one of the foundational legs of Argentine racing history without broader deliberation met almost instant resistance.

Internal objections were also raised, alongside pushback from prominent international handicappers, coupled with a cold reception when news of the proposed change reached the desks at the IFHA.

Another crucial element in halting the proposal was that not all key sectors had a seat at the table when the original decision was formulated. Owners and racing professionals, among other core industry participants, were excluded from prior discussions—a point that proved to be one of the main objections raised during a meeting held this Thursday.

Thus, for now, El Nacional's 2,500 meters remain safe.

It remains to be seen whether this decision will also affect the Clásico Eduardo Casey (G2), for which a reduction to 2,100 meters had been requested under the logic of serving as a direct prep for the final jewel of the Triple Crown. If the Derby maintains its traditional distance, shortening the Casey to 2,100 meters instead of 2,200 meters could still gain approval, as it represents a logical adjustment.

This does not mean the debate is permanently buried. In 2027, the Committee for Quality Control of the Stakes Calendar will reconvene locally, and if a consensus among the various sectors is reached by then, the proposal to modify distances could resurface for the 2028 season.

One race that is expected to move forward with a distance reduction is the Gran Premio Vicente Dupuy (G3) at La Punta, San Luis, though certain track layout considerations remain under evaluation.

Thursday's meeting also yielded another significant developments for the upcoming Argentine fixture list: a voluntary downgrade request from G1 to G2 will be submitted for the Gran Premio Selección de Potrancas at La Plata, one of only two top-level international contests still held at the Bosque oval.

Both the IFHA and IRPAC have long anticipated these self-regulatory measures from South America when targeted events consistently fall short of established international standards over extended periods. In the case of the La Plata Oaks, the figures have simply proven insufficient.

The average rating for its last three editions stands at 104.08, roughly a full point below the minimum threshold required to maintain G1 status. Aside from a few standout renewals—such as the one captured by Una Arrabalera(Cima de Triomphe) in 2022—the race has steadily lost its lustre.

This landscape also directs attention toward another major Argentine landmark: the Gran Premio San Isidro (G1), a marquee mile contest on the turf at the Jockey Club Argentino, which is hovering precariously close to the cut-off line for its top-tier classification.

Its three-year rating average sits at 109.25, just under the required 110-point benchmark, making upcoming editions critical to preserving its G1 standing.

For this year, however, the outlook is promising. The local miling division boasts several top-caliber performers, raising expectations for a deep field capable of restoring numbers fitting of the Gran Premio San Isidro's stature and heritage.

In the meantime, the biggest headline stems from Palermo. Following days of debate, press releases, criticism, and contention, every sign points to El Nacional remaining El Nacional in 2027: over 2,500 meters, just as history demands.

Yet, the broader discussion surrounding its future appears far from over.