The Gran Premio Latinoamericano returns to Monterrico for the seventh time, with records there to be challenged

Stud Jet Set and Stud El Castillo have prior wins in the race and could draw level with Myrna and TNT on two victories; Carlos Trujillo is chasing his fourth success, which would put him just one behind Jorge Ricardo; plus more stats on the race

Carlos Trujillo will be seeking his fourth victory in the Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1) / TURF DIARIO

This Sunday at Hipódromo de Monterrico, the 42nd edition of the Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1), the flagship race of regional racing, will be contested. Much water has passed under the bridge since its debut in 1981, when Brazilian runner Dark Brown (Tumble Lark) opened the story at Hipódromo Nacional de Maroñas, to the recent triumph of fellow Brazilian Obataye (Courtier), winner last October at Gávea.

The Latinoamericano offers a unique place within the international calendar: it is the only G1 race in the world run under a qualification system and, in addition, rotates its venue each year, alternating surfaces and distances, which enhances its historical and statistical richness.

On this occasion, the race will be run over 2000 meters, the distance at which it has been contested most often. However, its history shows variations: it was run over 2100 meters in 1989, 1994, and 2007 when La Plata hosted; over 2200 meters in 1987, when Peruvian runner Galeno (Santorín) shone on the dirt at Monterrico; and, on one occasion, over 2400 meters, in 2017, with the memorable victory of Argentine Sixties Song (Sixties Icon) at Valparaíso Sporting Clubin Chile.

In terms of individual records, Brazilian Much Better (Baynoun) remains the only horse to win the Latinoamericano twice (1994 and 1996), a mark that still stands. His trainer, João Maciel, also leads the standings among conditioners with three victories.

Among jockeys, Peruvian Carlos Trujillo will be seeking his fourth success in the race, this time aboard Padre Roberto (Hurricane Cat), which would leave him just one shy of the all-time record held by Jorge Ricardo, with five wins. Currently, Trujillo shares second place with compatriot Edwin Talaverano—recently retired—both with three victories.

At the ownership level, Myrna and TNT lead the history with two wins each. Among those represented this year, Jet Setand El Castillo have the chance to match that mark if they prevail.

Monterrico will host the Latinoamericano for the seventh time (1987, 1993, 1999, 2008, 2014, 2024, and 2026), tying San Isidro as the venue that has staged the race most often.

Finally, by country, Brazil leads with 12 victories, followed by Chile and Peru, both with 10. Argentina has seven, while Uruguay rounds out the list with two wins.