2024 Argentina' Horse of the Year Honors Up for Grabs Tonight at the Carlos Pellegrini Awards

El Kodigo, Intense for Me and Labrado to Battle for Top Honors; Awards Ceremony Set for 7 p.m. at San Isidro Racecourse

The wait is over. Argentina's racing community will come together this evening at Hipódromo de San Isidro for the 46th edition of the Carlos Pellegrini Awards, with the ceremony scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. local time. The country’s top equine and human performers of the 2024 season will be honored, culminating in the announcement of the coveted Horse of the Year title.

That honor is set to be decided between El Kodigo (Equal Stripes), Intense for Me (Fortify) and Labrado (Le Blues), with the former arriving as the heavy favorite in the betting to take home the golden statuette.

Representing Stud Juan Antonio, El Kodigo completed a stellar campaign in 2024, capturing the G1 Gran Premio República Argentina, G1 General San Martín, and G1 Copa de Oro, along with the G2 General Belgrano and G2 Vicente L. Casares. He also finished second in both the G2 Clásico Comparación and the G1 Gran Premio Internacional Carlos Pellegrini, the nation’s signature race.

It was Intense for Me who narrowly defeated El Kodigo in the Pellegrini finale, and the pair are now set for a rematch in the voting booth. Owned by Stud Toroquemero, the chestnut son of Fortify also sparkled during the year, landing the G3 Clásico Buenos Aires, G2 Clásico América, and G2 Clásico Forli, while finishing second in the G1 Estrellas Classic and third in both the G1 General San Martín and G1 Copa de Oro—each time behind El Kodigo.

Sprinter star Labrado also turned in a noteworthy season, annexing the G1 Ciudad de Buenos Aires, G1 Estrellas Sprint, and G1 Maipú, in addition to the G3 Clásico Paraguay. He was runner-up in both the G1 Suipacha and the G1 Félix de Alzaga Unzué.

Those three also make up the finalists for Champion Older Male, while El Kodigo and Intense for Me will again square off for the Champion Stayer title, with Full Keid (Full Mast) rounding out that trio.

In the Champion Older Female category, Brienne Trigger (Cosmic Trigger), Inconmensurable (Cosmic Trigger) and Nanabush (Il Campione)—each with a G1 victory to her name—will vie for honors.

Among the juveniles, Dulce Despertar (Fortify), Ooty (Dabster), and Quita Rim (Remote) are finalists among the fillies, while Colifato Novo (Lenovo), Earth God (Cosmic Trigger), and Holy Joy (Fortify) are the colts in contention.

For Champion 3-Year-Old Filly, the vote will be between Cima de Areco (Cima de Triomphe), Inconmensurable, and Pulp Fiction (Daddy Long Legs), while Cuan Chef (Daddy Long Legs), Earth God, and Giustino (Full Mast) headline the Champion 3-Year-Old Male category.

Sprinter standout Labrado will try to earn a third straight Pellegrini Award in the Champion Sprinter division against Ansia Clara and Arellano, both by Angiolo. The Champion Miler finalists are Earth God, El Que Sabe (Il Campione), and Nanabush.

Other categories include:

• Jockey of the Year: Gustavo Calvente, Francisco Leandro, Martín Valle

• Trainer of the Year: Juan M. Etchechoury, Nicolás Martín Ferro, Juan Saldivia

• Apprentice Jockey of the Year: Joaquín Cano, Lucas González, Joaquín Guida

• Broodmare of the Year: I'm Moving On (Not for Sale), Intense Look (Halo Sunshine), Nanga Parbat (Majestic Warrior)

• Stallion of the Year: Cosmic Trigger (Lizard Island), Fortify (Distorted Humor), Il Campione (Scat Daddy)

• Broodmare Sire of the Year: Not for Sale (Parade Marshal), Orpen (Lure), Sebi Halo (Southern Halo)

• Owner of the Year: Firmamento, JCV, Juan Antonio

• Breeder of the Year: Haras El Paraíso, Haras Firmamento, Haras Juan Antonio

Winners of the Carlos Pellegrini Awards are determined through voting by media members, industry associations, and the general public.