The Ramírez Festival Has Its Confirmed Runners, in an Edition That Promises to Be Unforgettable

Ten runners will line up for Uruguay’s premier race, with Obstable emerging as the leading contender; Martana and Storm Sound will ship in from Argentina, while Frankie Dettori headlines as the star international guest

Maroñas Set for Another Unforgettable January 6 / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

By Diego H. Mitagstein

The Gran Premio José Pedro Ramírez (G1) and its traditional Jan. 6 meeting at Hipódromo Nacional de Maroñasare almost always synonymous with a spectacular day of racing—one of the finest fixtures on the South American calendar, serving as its grand opening.

But the 2026 edition promises to be even more compelling. Packed grandstands, a deep field of proven performers, and the presence of the incomparable Frankie Dettori, in the second leg of his farewell tour of the continent, shape an irresistible program. Even the forecast heat is unlikely to deter fans from cutting short their summer break to make the pilgrimage to the historic Ituzaingó circuit, a venue rich in legendary moments.

With only Campeón Avenue (Sloane Avenue) withdrawn, Obstacle (Hofburg)—the emphatic winner of the Gran Premio Nacional (G1)—will face nine rivals on his path toward ultimate glory. Potentially making his final appearance in Uruguay, he will line up against Pluto (Discreetly Mine), Mucho Loco (Brz–Alcorano), Native Extreme (Brz–Emcee), Turbo Ship (Midshipman), Cuento Marista (Brz–Alcorano), Universal Horse (Brz–Universal Law), Zelenski (Vineyard Haven), Huracán (Brz–Synchrony) and Quixote (T.H. Approval).

Montevideo’s most important meeting of the year will also feature, as tradition dictates, the Gran Premio Ciudad de Montevideo (G1–2000m, dirt), the Gran Premio Pedro Piñeyrúa (G3–1600m, dirt) and the Gran Premio Maroñas (G3–1000m, dirt).

In the Ciudad de Montevideo (G1) for fillies and mares aged three and up, Argentina will be represented by Martana(Fortify), one of the leading middle-distance dirt performers at Palermo. She will take on Voice Out (Brz–Outstrip), Vecchia Signorina (Verrazano), Guitarrera (Mestre Gosik), Linda Muchacha (Brz–Alcorano), Sandrín Royal (Will Take Charge), Fightfirewithfire (Brz–Verrazano), Truco e Flor (Brz–Verrazano), Tantan Royal (Midshipman), La Belle Julia (Brz–Alpha), Over Force (Brz–Hofburg), Odyssey Princess (Brz–Put It Back), Candara (Brz–Can the Man), Miami Fever (Texas Fever) and Albion (Brz–Alpha).

The Pedro Piñeyrúa (G3) carries added significance, as it grants a “Win and You’re In” berth for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) at Keeneland as part of the Challenge Series. Of the 23 originally entered, 18 were confirmed, with Dolarísimo (Arg–Horse Greeley) and Amaranto (Brz–Camelot Kitten) listed as also-eligibles. Among the starters is Argentine star Storm Sound (Hi Happy), La Plata’s leading miler and recent winner of the Clásico Joaquín V. González (G2), who will ship in to challenge defending champion and local division leader Sí Señor (Señor Candy).

Others set to contest the race include Tadow Star (Midshipman), Truco e Flor, Ababor Fever (Texas Fever), Sparco(Brz–Verrazano), Herr Kitten (Brz–Camelot Kitten), Tupungato (Brz–Forestry), Latte Macchiato (Put It Back), Ave Royal (Sloane Avenue), Save the King (Brz–Forestry), Nuestro Sueño (The Leopard), Samba e Samba (Brz–Rally Cry), Progreso (Brz–Drosselmeyer), Ormello (Brz–Drosselmeyer) and Ultra Black (Brz–Fortuna Certa).

Eighteen runners were also confirmed for the Maroñas (G3), with Príncipe Rebelde (Trinniberg) and Leopard (The Leopard) listed as reserves. The field includes Peligrosa (Kodiak Kowboy), La Sobrina (Trinniberg), Little Roy (A Little Warm), Leopard Dance (The Leopard), Oliver (Brz–Put It Back), L’Intrigatore (Brz–Forestry), Terrible Chucho (Overanalyze), Storm Summer (The Leopard), Comandante Rapha (Brz–Comandante Dodge), Loco Jorge(Oggigiorno), Pelagio (Overanalyze), Salvador Dalí (Brz–Koller), Hulkenberg (Trinniberg), Great-Ug (Brz–War Secretary), Labor Day (Brz–Emcee) and Happy Moments (Arg–Fortify).

Post positions were drawn on Monday, followed by a press conference with Lanfranco Dettori, who was welcomed with an emotional video tribute and graciously answered questions from those in attendance.

The table is set. The celebration is ready. On Jan. 6, racing fans across the region will once again receive their Three Kings’ gift.

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