The 2025 Latinoamericano at Gávea Promises to Shine… and Not Just Because of the Horses

The continent’s great event will be run Saturday, Oct. 18, at 8 p.m. under the lights, with the Jockey Club Brasileiro offering lucrative incentives for international runners in the day’s G2 events

Sinsel, ganador del Grande Premio Brasil (G1), y candidato a correr el Latino / JCB

RÍO DE JANEIRO, Brasil (Special for Turf Diario).- The countdown to the 2025 Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1) is already setting the tone for South America’s racing scene, and this year’s edition promises to be memorable for more than one reason. The Jockey Club Brasileirohas confirmed that the prestigious event, to be staged October 18 at Hipódromo da Gávea, will go off at 8 p.m.—marking the first time in its history the Latino will be contested under the lights in a planned nighttime edition.

The backdrop could hardly be more spectacular: Gávea’s turf course lit up against the unique setting of Rio de Janeiro, with the region’s best squaring off in the most lucrative race on the OSAF calendar, carrying a purse of $300,000.

The official preview will take place Friday, Oct. 17, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Salón da Ferradura in the club’s social headquarters on Praça Santos Dumont 31, featuring the traditional press conference and final preparations for an event that transcends borders.

But the Latino won’t be the only headline act. The card will feature a full group-race festival open to international participation, with an added twist for visiting connections: in each of the five supporting G2 events, the Jockey Club Brasileiro will offer a special $50,000 bonus reserved exclusively for foreign-trained horses.

The bonus distribution will be: $31,200 to the winner, $9,300 to second, $6,200 to third, and $3,100 to fourth—on top of the regular purse money. The five bonus-eligible races are:

• GP Rocha Faria (G2) – 2000m turf, 3-year-old fillies

• GP Julio Capua (G2) – 1600m turf, 3-year-olds and up

• GP Cordeiro da Graça (G2) – 1000m turf, 3-year-olds and up

• GP João Borges Filho (G2) – 2400m turf, 4-year-olds and up

• GP Marciano de Aguiar Moreira (G2) – 2000m turf, fillies and mares 3-year-olds and up

Organizers also noted that all Latino runners will be subject to pre-race drug testing in line with international standards, and that overseas arrivals are expected between Oct. 7 and 10.

On the road to the big day, extra-invitees will be named Sept. 18, and the final field will be confirmed during the week of Sept. 23.

With the promise of a unique spectacle, an unusual start time, and the rare sight of the continent’s best competing under floodlights, the 2025 Latino at Gávea is aiming not just to be a great race—but a night for the history books.