The decline has been sharp, and Argentine racing is increasingly distant from the peak of 8,959 foals born in 2004
By Diego H. Mitagstein
The number of foals born in Argentina has dropped by almost 50 percent over the past 20 years, according to the report published by the Stud Book. From 8,959 births two decades ago, the number has decreased to 5,786 in 2024, always accounting for a small margin of error, as foals born with delayed registrations are often added later.
The year-on-year decline is particularly alarming, as between 2023 and 2024, the number of foals born in the country’s studs and private establishments dropped from 6,489 to approximately 5,786—a 13 percent decrease, a figure that should raise significant concern for several reasons.
The withdrawal of breeders has been evident in recent times, with continuous liquidations offered by various auction houses. Argentina’s ongoing economic crisis, which can be alleviated momentarily but never fully solved, the decrease in the number of owners, and the prohibitive equation of high costs and low prizes, all contribute to the significant decline in activity within the fields.
One issue leads to another, and all the factors mentioned have made the sales of yearlings in 2024 extremely challenging, with widespread skepticism regarding how this year will unfold. Another reason that has deterred many dreamers from breeding horses.
Thoroughbred racing is one of the industries that generates a great deal of employment due to the irreplaceable role of humans in the care and development of equine athletes. The decline in foals also negatively impacts job creation. This situation, however, seems not to worry the current governments, who have yet to fully support the sport.
Of the 5,786 foals born in 2024, 9 were born in the first half of the year, and, as is often the case, the gender ratio was nearly perfect: 2,900 males and 2,886 females.
Buenos Aires accounted for the largest share of foals, with 3,929 born there, representing 67.91 percent of the total, reflecting a sharp decrease compared to the previous year, when there were 4,332, or 66.76 percent.
Córdoba and La Pampa also experienced significant declines. The former province dropped from 655 to 531, while La Pampa fell from 404 to 348. Santa Fe decreased from 341 to 270, and Entre Ríos from 307 to 247. In total, 16 provinces reported foals in 2024.
As for breeders, 337 studs registered births, with El Paraíso leading the list with 396, up from 341 the previous year. Following in order were Firmamento (178), Abolengo (165), Vacación (128), and Don Florentino (128), the top breeder from the interior (based in La Francia, Córdoba), with the highest production.
Other notable breeders included Don Yayo (105), La Pasión (104), Gran Muñeca (90), Santa Inés (88), La Leyenda de Areco (78), Los Lirios (77), Masama (77), Juan Antonio (75), and Rancho Luján (71), all of which had significant activity.
It is important to note that the number of foals born at a particular stud does not necessarily reflect the total production, as the statistics also include mares from outside the stud that are brought in for the breeding season.
The number of racehorse foals in Argentina continues to decline, and this is a cause for concern
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