Argentina Has an Active Horse Industry

South America has produced some outstanding horses, and Argentina, the land of gauchos and top polo players, claims a large share of successful breeding and racing Thoroughbreds. With 8,500 foals produced each year, Argentina is the fourth-largest producer of Thoroughbreds, including many winning horses that have raced in both hemispheres.

Candy Ride, foaled in 1999, was undefeated in six starts on both turf and dirt racing surfaces in Argentina and the United States. As a four-year-old, the colt recorded the highest Beyer speed figure of 2003.

Invasor, foaled in 2002, won the Triple Crown in Uruguay in 2005; the Breeders’ Cup Classic in 2006; and the Dubai World Cup in 2007. Chosen to receive the Eclipse Award for American Horse of the Year in 2006, the same year he led the World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings, he ended his racing career with 11 wins in 12 starts.

Importation of stallions from North America has enriched the bloodlines of traditional Argentine breeding farms. Southern Halo was bought in 1989 by Haras la Quebrada, one of the country’s historic stud farms, to add a genetic strain that is still popular. Giant’s Causeway is another top American stallion that has been shuttled to Argentina.

Buenos Aires has three racetracks, and fans can attend races year-round. Racing is very popular and some tracks offer more than 20 races on the daily card. The San Isidro training center adjacent to one of the tracks is the base for about 150 trainers and provides employment for 1,000 grooms, jockeys, farriers, veterinarians, and other industry personnel. The facilities include five training tracks, an equine swimming pool, a laboratory, a veterinary clinic, and a school for aspiring jockeys.