Guyana’s horse racing fraternity celebrated a landmark achievement this weekend as Galo White, the prized colt of Slingerz Racing Stable, delivered a gutsy fifth-place finish at the 93rd running of the Brazil Grande Premio (Grade 1), the nation’s most prestigious thoroughbred event.

Making history as the first Guyanese-owned or trained horse to compete in this elite South American classic, Galo White broke smartly from post position 15 and seized the early lead, setting a strong pace against a world-class, 20-horse international field. The Vergenoegen-based runner maintained his advantage through the opening stages, thrilling supporters back home and in the stands.

However, with about 120 metres left to the finish, fatigue began to set in. Despite the late pressure from some of the continent’s top thoroughbreds, Galo White dug deep and held on to secure a respectable fifth-place result. The performance underscored both the colt’s quality and the rising ambitions of Guyana’s racing industry.

The race was ultimately won by Brazil’s Sinsel, who surged from behind to claim victory and an automatic berth in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf at Del Mar, California, later this year. Galo White’s strong showing, however, signaled the growing international reputation of Slingerz Racing, which has dominated the local scene with stars like Olympic Kremlin and John Bull.

Galo White is expected to return to Guyana for the 2025 Guyana Cup at the Rising Sun Turf Club on August 17, where he will headline a highly anticipated field alongside last year’s champion, Olympic Kremlin. For Slingerz Racing and Guyana’s equestrian community, the Brazil Grande Premio debut marks a new chapter of international recognition and ambition.