The Gran Premio Latinoamericano Atmosphere Builds in Rio: Peruvian and Chilean Contenders Arrive at Gávea

Argentine and Uruguayan Contingents to Arrive Today, Completing International Lineup at Gávea

Chilean Colt Medjool Among Early Arrivals at Gávea / JCB / VICTOR ANTUNES

The 41st Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1) is beginning to heat up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as the first international runners have touched down ahead of the October 18 showdown at Hipódromo da Gávea. Following flights from Lima and Santiago, the Argentine and Uruguayan representatives are expected to arrive Friday, completing the international lineup for South America’s premier turf event.

The Peruvian team was first to arrive. On Wednesday evening, Boudica (The Lieutenant), Kanko (Newfoundland), Happy Man (Mendelsohn), Enforceable (Tapit), Il Omare (Il Campione), and King Mo (Uncle Mo) landed at Galeão Airport, ready to contest the 2000-meter turf classic. Also traveling with them were fillies Mathilde (Galapiat) and Amazonka (Mendelsohn), entered in the Gran Premio Marciano de Aguiar Moreira (G2), and Furioso Hit (Hit It a Bomb), set for the Gran Premio Julio Capua (G2) over a mile.

Upon arrival, the Peruvian horses completed a three-hour mandatory holding period in specialized airport stalls before transfer to the International Horse Village at Gávea, all under careful supervision by their teams.

Thursday morning saw the Chilean representatives—My Way (Mendelssohn), Daktari (Daddy Long Legs), and Medjool (Mastercraftsman)—touch down around 10:15 a.m., moving smoothly into the villa for final acclimation ahead of race day.

Event organizers praised the coordination and planning behind the international arrivals, noting that the temporary airport quarantine was fully anticipated and managed with comfortable facilities for the horses.

In the coming hours, Uruguayan Olympic Olympic (Alpha) is scheduled to join, along with the Argentine duo Vundu (Suggestive Boy) and Need You Tonight (Hat Ninja), expected Thursday to complete the contingent.

With Gávea’s stalls filling with flags, colors, and accents from across the continent, the excitement for the Latino 2025 is palpable. The stage is set, the horses are arriving, and the dream of continental glory has officially begun in Rio.