The Gran Premio 25 de Mayo, the next great celebration of Argentine racing, is already taking shape at San Isidro

Honest Boy, seeking back-to-back victories, heads a list of 17 nominees for the patriotic racing festival, which will also feature the Gran Criterium (G1), Gran Premio de Potrancas (G1), and Gran Premio Copa Diamante (G1)

Honest Boy, winner of the 2025 Gran Premio 25 de Mayo (G1) and once again one of the main attractions JUAN I. BOZZELLO

While the outstanding May 1 program at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo—with packed grandstands for the Gran Premio República Argentina (G1) series—still resonates throughout Argentine racing, the local turf scene began building Monday toward another of those dates no true racing fan should ever miss.

Now comes the turn of the Gran Premio 25 de Mayo (G1-2400m, turf) meeting, the second most important race each season for older horses on the turf at Hipódromo de San Isidro, and one that will feature a total of four Group 1 events on Argentina’s patriotic holiday. Alongside the centerpiece will be the Gran Criterium (G1-1600m), Gran Premio de Potrancas (G1-1600m), and Gran Premio Copa Diamante (G1-1600m), all contested on grass.

With total prize money of 100,000,000 pesos—50,000,000 of that reserved for the winner—and entry fees totaling 1,800,000 pesos, the race attracted 17 possible runners, headed by the standout name of Honest Boy (Heliostatic), hero of the 2025 edition and fresh off a highly encouraging comeback victory in the Clásico Porteño (G3).

The Stud-Haras El Ángel de Venecia representative will attempt to emulate Ordak Dan (Hidden Truth), the last horse to win the race multiple times, having captured the event in 2013, 2015, and 2017.

Equal Mostaza (Equal Stripes), Pecado Original (Global Hunter), Full Keynote (Full Mast), and Out of the Blue (Brz-Drosselmeyer)—who completed the order of finish behind him in the Porteño—are all expected to return for another clash with the likely favorite.

Another intriguing name is Time to Think (Seahenge), absent since finishing seventh in December’s Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G1) after previously demolishing rivals in the Clásico Yatasto (G3) and running third in the Gran Premio Copa de Oro (G1).

Trainer Omar Labanca may attempt the first turf start of the consistent Sono Perfetto (Tetaze), the champion 3-year-old of 2025 at La Plata, who recently captured the Clásico Comparación (L) after finishing fourth in the Otoño (G2).

Group 1 winner Epityrum (Portal del Alto) adds further class and enviable credentials to the prospective field, while Holy Holy Rim (Remote) could arrive from Palermo after regaining form with victory in the Handicap Arturo A.

A Mares (Seahenge), Castañón Rim (Remote), Curious Song (Sixties Song), El Darwin (Il Campione), Magnum Fifth (Daniel Boone), Neat Colt (Treasure Beach), Phanton (Brz-Outstrip), and Private Blend (Lucullan)complete the list of possible starters for the 25 de Mayo.

As with all Argentine Group 1 events, participants must pass a negative pre-race test, while rider engagements and final declarations are due by noon on Monday the 18th. The post-position draw will take place online the following day.

For Monday, May 25—a national holiday—Hipódromo de San Isidro is preparing family-oriented attractions along with enhanced betting pools and guaranteed wagers designed to boost turnover.

Argentine racing now prepares for another one of those special days when horses and quality take center stage, this time wrapped in one of the nation’s most meaningful celebrations.