Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, Buenos Aires

The Argentinean Hippodrome or the Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo is one of the most important horse racecourses in Argentina. Today, it houses a range of activities in addition to horse races.

The Argentinean Hippodrome was inaugurated in 1876. The design was a grand neoclassical style that reflected the prosperity of the country at the time. In 1898, a sales floor for auctioning thoroughbred horses was inaugurated. In 1908, the French architect designed an elaborate belle époque style main entrance and grandstand. A lake was created in the midst of the race tracks and a tree-lined space and marble statues were placed to add to the ornamentation of the venue.

The Hippodrome has been the scene of an advancement in horse racing technology called the Photochart, a photographic device that recorded the exact moment that the horse crosses the finishing line thus helping to decide the winner in neck-to-neck races resulting in the well-known term used in horse racing, ‘the photo finish’. Electric lighting was introduced in 1971 resulting in night races. In 1992, a private company took over the Hippodrome and made extensive renovations. Today, it houses a casino, high-end restaurants, a shopping center, theatre and a space for holding temporary art exhibitions.

Why You Should Visit:
The building itself is beautiful and in line with the elitist sport that is horseracing.
There are regular gastronomic shows and occasional open-door exhibitions as well as famous-brand outlets.
You can get close to the horses and the jockeys who let the crowds get near and caress their animals.

Tip:
Free access, no liquor, races every half hour, slot machines 24/7.