During a May 18 press conference in Buenos Aires, Palermo Racecourse and the South American Organization for the Promotion of Thoroughbreds officially announced, after 12 years, the return of the region's most important horse race to Palermo.
The 43rd edition of the Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1), for 3-year-olds and older, will be run March 6, 2027, over 2,100 meters (about 1 5/16 miles) on the iconic dirt track of Buenos Aires.
This will be the third time Palermo hosts the Gran Premio Latinoamericano. However, this occasion is unique, crowning the celebration of its 150th anniversary.
In this regard, Alberto D'Audia, general manager of the Palermo Racetrack, highlighted the institutional value of this achievement: "Assuming the responsibility of hosting the 2027 Gran Premio Latinoamericano is an immense source of pride and, at the same time, a reflection of Palermo's current success. This designation comes at a pivotal moment, within the framework of our 150-year history, where we combine the mystique of our tradition with a profound process of improvement, progress, and transformation. We are prepared to offer a cutting-edge event worthy of the most prestigious event in continental horse racing."
The two previous editions held in Palermo were won in 2012 by Quick Casablanca with jockey Gonzalo Ulloa and in 2015 by Liberal ridden by Edwin Talaverano. This year's winner was Teao, and previous winners include Obataye, Manyuz, Doutor Sureno, O'Connor, etc. Several Argentine horses have also won: Don Incauto (2005), Latency (2006), Good Report (2007), Sixties Song (2017), Roman Rosso (2018), and Tetaze (2020).
For the 2027 edition, the selective path for the runners will begin to take shape.
"Each country will have its benchmark race. Palermo will host the Clásico Los Haras in January as the classifying race to select our representatives for the Latino, since the staging racetrack has a quota of two starting May 18, 2026, gates available. Also, the Gran Premio Latinoamericano will be accompanied by an exceptional program of four additional group races: GP Santiago Luro (G2) and Saturnino J. Unzué (G2) both for 2-year-olds; and the GP Arturo R. y Arturo Bullrich (G2) and GP Otoño (G2) for 3-year-olds and older," stated Antonio Bullrich, president of the racing commission.
Finally, the regional governing body of horse racing expressed its enthusiasm for the appointment of Palermo as the venue for the 43rd edition.
OSAF authorities, Juan Villar Urquiza (vice chairman) and Oscar Bertoletti (CEO), stated, "We are very pleased because the first step in the 4-year plan for the venues of the Gran Premio Latinoamericano is being fulfilled, for 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030, with venues at the Palermo Racecourse, Valparaíso Sporting, Club Hípico de Santiago, and Maroñas Racecourse, something that hasn't happened since the pandemic.
"We are also very excited that the Latinoamericano is returning to Palermo, which is one of the most emblematic racetracks in the region and the second-oldest, after 12 years. This has a great impact both for us and internationally."
It was also highlighted that OSAF board agreed, within the four-year plan for future venues, that the race will be held in March each year, in harmony with the South American pattern race calendar. This plan allows for the nomination of competitors based on the traditional qualifying races held from December through February, as well as the participation of horses 3 years of age and older.
This structured planning also facilitates the possibility to attract the interest of major sponsors for the Gran Premio Latinoamericano, the most important race with the broadest regional and international reach in the entire region.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
