The Stage Begins to Set for the 2025 Gran Premio Latinoamericano at Gávea

The race day for South America's richest Thoroughbred event is beginning to take shape, with a high-class undercard featuring group races across all divisions

The stunning Hipódromo da Gávea awaits the arrival of the 2025 Gran Premio Latinoamericano / ARCHIVO

RÍO DE JANEIRO, Brasil (Special for Turf Diario).- The road to the 2025 Longines Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1, 2000m, turf, $300,000 purse) continues to unfold, and as OSAF member tracks prepare to finalize their nomination process, anticipation is already building for a race day that promises to be nothing short of unforgettable. The setting will be the iconic Hipódromo da Gávea in Rio de Janeiro, which will host South America’s premier championship for the fourth time in its history, this time under the direction of the Jockey Club Brasileiro.

With the date set for October 18, expectations are rising by the week—not only for what the headline event represents, but also for the strong supporting card that is shaping up, with a full slate of top-class turf races open to international participation.

The official timeline leading up to the big day includes the final selection of each country’s representatives—both qualifiers and wildcards—as well as the deadline for final entry payments ($24,000) for wildcard runners, after which the final field will be determined.

Beyond the Latinoamericano itself, the centerpiece program at Gávea will also feature a full complement of group stakes on turf, across a variety of distances and divisions, designed to attract top-class horses from across the continent.

One of the day's marquee attractions will be the G1 Grande Prêmio Jockey Club de São Paulo (2000m, turf), the second leg of Brazil’s Triple Crown for Colts, reserved for 3-year-olds. As one of the most prestigious events on the Brazilian racing calendar, it is expected to draw talent from beyond national borders.

Also on tap is the G2 Grande Prêmio Rocha Faria (2000m, turf), a natural companion to the Jockey Club for 3-year-old fillies—a valuable opportunity for leading sophomore females to test themselves in high-class company.

For older horses, the program will offer a rich variety of options. The G2 Grande Prêmio Julio Capua (1600m, turf) will bring together runners aged 3 and up, while the G2 Grande Prêmio Cordeiro da Graça (1000m, turf) will serve as the key sprint of the afternoon—sure to produce a dramatic stretch run down Gávea’s electrifying straight.

Stayers will have their chance in the G2 Grande Prêmio João Borges Filho (2400m, turf), open to 4-year-olds and up—ideal for seasoned long-distance specialists. Meanwhile, older females will take center stage in the G2 Grande Prêmio Marciano de Aguiar Moreira (2000m, turf), a showcase event for fillies and mares three and up, and one of the region’s most promising divisions.

With such a robust and varied lineup, the October program is shaping up as a true international celebration of Thoroughbred racing—not only for the prestige of the Gran Premio Latinoamericano itself, but for the quality and depth of the races that will accompany it. All signs point to Rio de Janeiro once again dressing up for a grand occasion, reaffirming why South American racing remains a passion without borders.