Puerto Rico to host 2026 Caribbean Horse Racing Series

Puerto Rico will host the 2026 Caribbean Horse Racing Series in December at Hipódromo Camarero in Canóvanas, bringing together top jockeys and thoroughbreds from across the Caribbean region.

By THE STAR STAFF

Puerto Rico will host the 2026 Caribbean Horse Racing Series, Juan Carlos Santaella Marchán, executive director of the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission, announced this weekend.

The announcement was made during the Caribbean Horse Racing Confederation’s midyear meeting in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The event will be held in December at Hipódromo Camarero in Canóvanas.

“The Puerto Rico government’s allocation of $1 million was a determining factor in strengthening our bid and securing the island’s competitive position in the selection process for the host venue,” Santaella Marchán said in a written statement.

“We are thrilled to once again host the Caribbean Horse Racing Series, where the region’s top jockeys and thoroughbreds compete. Our island will once again have the opportunity to shine on the international stage and demonstrate that Puerto Rico is a premier destination for sports tourism,” he added.

The Caribbean Horse Racing Series brings together delegations from Ecuador, Mexico, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Panama, which hosted the most recent edition of the event. The participation of standout Puerto Rican jockeys, brothers Irad and José Luis Ortiz, along with other prominent riders representing the participating delegations, is also expected.

The Caribbean Horse Racing Series features six races, highlighted by the traditional Caribbean Classic for native-bred 3-year-old colts. The program also includes races for native-bred fillies, older horses and imported thoroughbreds.