The Best Racing Events in South America

As in most other continents around the world, horse racing is an exceedingly popular sport in South America. The countries therein host various action-packed events and competitions throughout the year, ranging from the Chilean Classic St Leger to Peru’s Quadruple Crown Championship.

Horse racing enthusiasts in South America can thus expect access to fantastic races at any time of the year, along with plenty of great race betting opportunities through trusted bookmakers.

Even online gambling Singapore players will love what’s on offer in Latin America’s racing scene – and here are the top events on the annual calendar that you can check out the next time you’re in town!

#6: The Gran Premio Jose Pedro Ramirez

This Group One race is for horses that are 3 years or older, and spans 2,400 meters of challenging track in Uruguay.

Hosted in January each year at the Hipodromo Nacional de Maronas racetrack, the Gran Premio Jose Pedro Ramirez is a highly popular contest that has locals and nationals alike glued to their television screens each year. As many as 8,000 people attend the stadium in person to see the event in the flesh, too!

#5: The Grande Premio Brasil

Hosted at the Hipodromo da Gavea in Rio de Janeiro, this horse racing tournament is a flat race that is held on a turf track.

Thoroughbreds aged 3 and up are the only horses allowed to race in the biggest race on Brazil’s calendar, which is held in August each year.

#4: The Gran Premio Club Hipico de Santiago-Falabella

This is a Group One horse race hosted annually in Chile, and also operates as the Chilean Breeders’ Cup Challenge Race.

The 2000 metre turf race welcomes all horses aged 3 and up, and offers a considerable purse of $35,000,000 Chilean Pesos for the ultimate winner.

#3: The Classic St Leger

The Classic St Leger is Chile’s foremost race, and is colloquially known as the ‘Race of the Year’ as it plays a major role in the selection of 3 year old colts and fillies.

This race is also the second stage of the region’s National Triple Crown, and attracts horses of a similar high standard to El Ensayo and the Derby. Furthermore, it even serves as the third stage of the Hippodrome Chile’s Triple Crown, further demonstrating is prestigious nature in the local racing industry.

#2: The Argentine Derby

Having been established in 1884, the Argentine Derby is Argentina’s most anticipated contest for 3 year old colts, attracting the best riders and horses of the season each year.

The race takes place over 2,500 meters and truly tests the talents of every competitor who aims to become its top champion.

#1: The Great Prize Polla de Potrillos y Potrancas

These are two individual, classic horse races that are part of the preliminary strength, skill and stamina tests for the Argentine Turf’s Triple Crown.

They also serve as part of the selection process for each new generation of thoroughbreds. The horses run a track spanning 1,600 meters in total, and the winners of Las Pollas also stand a good chance to win the Triple Crown itself.