Training Resumes at La Plata, but No Races This Sunday

The Asociación de Vareadores has accepted the conditions set by the Administration, which are the same as those in place previously. Eduardo Ortega Pavón will only race at El Bosque under specific circumstances

LA PLATA – The Bosque Administration has decided to resume morning track work this Saturday after the local Association of Vareadores accepted the rules imposed by the racetrack, which are the same as those in place before the recent conflict. Under these rules, in the event of an accident, the injured individual will be transferred to a nearby public hospital.

Additionally, it was decided to cancel the meeting scheduled for this Sunday, further adding to the significant disruption caused to the turf industry, a sector that regularly faces such setbacks due to individuals in key positions who have little understanding of how to manage the situation. Meanwhile, a provincial lottery, which views turf as both a cash cow and a burden, seems to ignore the massive workforce it generates for both the province and the city.

Led by Mariano Cowen, La Plata issued two bulletins this Friday, delivered in an imperative tone, essentially stating that the administration’s rules will be followed, and those who do not accept them will not be allowed to race. “It will be understood that anyone engaging in activities on the premises accepts the medical transfer rules set by this Administration,” the statement read, concluding with a message that nearly brushed aside opposition: “We hope to continue dialogue with all sectors of the industry for its improvement and growth.”

As previously reported, a protest by professionals and stable staff took place on Thursday outside the provincial lottery offices in an attempt to meet with its president, Gonzalo Atanasof, but they returned empty-handed as he was in Buenos Aires on other matters. A meeting is now scheduled for next Tuesday.

In the meantime, La Plata announced that jockeys and apprentice jockeys participating in the meetings on Tuesday, March 25 and Thursday, March 27 will be required to sign their riding commitments at the entry office on Sunday, March 23 and Tuesday, March 25 between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

There is currently no agreement with the jockeys—at least none that has been publicly shared—and they continue to demand that accident treatment be provided at a private medical facility, a request the administration has rejected. The racetrack has stated that, as a public entity, it must work with public hospitals. However, this is not entirely accurate. For many years, professionals received treatment at the Hospital Español, which ended the contract due to nonpayment by the La Plata racetrack and the lottery, a common issue with many of their providers.

As for next week, it remains unclear whether racing will resume. Meanwhile, Francisco Leandro has already stated he will not race at La Plata until the situation is resolved, and now Eduardo Ortega Pavón has joined him in this decision, unless an exceptional circumstance arises due to contracts.