Surfing Boy raced through three presidential terms, but at nine years old, he returned to the winner's circle in a stakes race

The ageless son of Hurricane Cat captured the Onesto Puente (L), showing tremendous grit to outduel Minero de Oro

In the final strides, Surfing Boy powered past his rivals to score a historic victory / HLP

LA PLATA, Argentina – You’d have to dig deep into the record books to find another 9-year-old horse winning a black-type race in Argentina. But that’s exactly what the relentless Surfing Boy accomplished on Thursday at Hipódromo de La Plata, reaching the pinnacle once more by capturing the Onesto Puente (L, 1200m, dirt), the day’s featured event.

A true testament to durability and heart, the Hurricane Cat horse had long been knocking on the door for another stakes victory, his last success at this level dating back to January 2023, when he claimed the Clásico Emilio Casares (L).

Neither his 44 career starts nor the relentless march of time could slow down Surfing Boy, who delivered a gutsy performance in a demanding race. He fended off a determined Minero de Oro (Violence) by half a length, as the long-awaited promise of his rival finally materialized. Meanwhile, Crispado Key (Key Deputy), the race favorite, faded to a disappointing 12th—next to last—finishing more than 13 lengths behind.

The Onesto Puente produced a thrilling finish, with Minero de Oro taking control along the rail at the top of the stretch. But Francisco Arreguy (h.), guiding Surfing Boy, launched his charge wide and from off the pace. In the final furlong, the veteran campaigner reeled in his rival and surged past, stopping the clock in 1:11.92.

What followed was a scene of pure joy—arms raised in celebration from the jockey, beaming smiles from the Francisco Arreguy team, represented by María Toledo. The momentous nature of the achievement called for such elation.

Now a winner of 11 races, with multiple stakes placings to his name, Surfing Boy has carried the Stud El Doce silks since day one, debuting on August 25, 2018—six and a half years ago. Over that span, he has amassed more than 22 million pesos in earnings, a figure increasingly difficult to gauge given inflation.

Bred by Haras El Mallín, Surfing Boy is a full brother to Puerto Escondido, Argentina’s Horse of the Year, and a half-brother to Derby winner Lange (Aptitude). He also hails from the same family as Sunset Beach (Intérprete), the granddam of G1 winner Hawaiian Love (Hurricane Cat).