Week after week, stakes races at La Plata are either canceled or rescheduled, highlighting the need for a thorough review of the race conditions
LA PLATA.- Only five runners have been confirmed for the Clásico Criadores Argentinos del Sangre Pura de Carrera (L-1000m, dirt), the first step in the juvenile selection process at the local level. The race was rescheduled for Tuesday, February 18, after being called off on its original date.
The low turnout has raised concerns about the initial decision to postpone, as the impact now seems significant. All for the sake of having one more horse in the betting pool, the initial sequence of graded races for two-year-old colts has been disrupted—an issue that proved costly in 2024.
From an initial list of ten entries, the final field consists of Emm Yugo (Emmanuel), Full Caluroso (Full Mast), Gryschin (Malenchini), Takeshi Frank (Gidu), and Vendaval Joy (Roman Joy).
The day will also feature another notable event, the Especial Haras Firmamento, contested over 1100 meters for three-year-olds and up with at least three career wins. The assigned weights will vary based on past performances.
Among the withdrawals was Creme de Cassis (Sidney’s Candy), who had been assigned the top weight of 64kg. That mantle now falls to Crispado Key (Key Deputy) and Wave Rimout (Remote), both set to carry 58kg. Other notable contenders include Eyes Have It (Il Campione, 56), Lunático Blues (Le Blues, 54), Magyar (Lenovo, 56), Rocanrol Sin Destino (Long Island Sound, 54), Mactas (Empire Aztec, 52), Normando Lu (Lunático Emperor, 54), Old John (John F Kennedy, 52), and Markel (Most Improved, 56).
Racing will return to La Plata on Thursday, February 20, but with no black-type events on the card. The Clásico Helda (1600m, dirt), originally set as the day’s feature race for fillies and mares three and older under weight-for-age conditions, has been canceled.
The continued decline of stakes, special events, and handicaps at La Plata is becoming a serious issue, with cancellations now occurring almost weekly. This should prompt officials to reassess race scheduling—once considered a benchmark in the industry.
With fewer races at longer distances and declining horse availability, the ongoing struggles at Hipódromo de La Plataseem inevitable, a direct consequence of an administration lacking the expertise required to manage and sustain the racing operation.
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