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Buenos Aires, Argentina > Buenos Aires attractions > Hipódromo Hurlingham Hipódromo HurlinghamAvenida Roca 1436 (in Hurlingham); Tel. +(011.54.11) 4662-5668
 Visitors to the chariot races in Hurlingham, near Buenos Aires, may feel as though they have stepped back in time. Photo by Clare Nisbet. With all the hoopla in Palermo, it is hard to ignore that Argentina is a great country to enjoy the pleasures of putting a little green behind your favorite horse. The European influence in the form of the love of cricket, horse racing, polo, and other wealthy, outdoor spectator sports is alive and well in Hurlingham, which is widely known as an English barrio. Hurlingham is a great choice for beginners and seasoned gamblers alike and manages to set itself apart. The Sunday races in Hurlingham are for chariot racers instead of traditional jockeys so visitors feel immediately like they stumbled into a time machine to the 19th century. During the summer, porteños flee the city and its suburbs for cooler airs and the crowd at the races thins out significantly but there are still enough folks around for a heck of a choripan (sausage sandwich) and an ice-cold Quilmes in the sun, making Hurlingham a great day out in more ways than one. Minimum bet is a meager $1AR so take it easy or go bananas with the big guns that are always sure to be in attendance. The chariot racers fly around the track while folks sip mate, kids kick footballs around, and families and friends enjoy good company. It has to be seen to be believed. The Hurlingham Hipódromo also hosts polo matches. Check local match schedules for details. To arrive: From Retiro take San Martin train to Hurlingham station. —Hipódromo Hurlingham review by Clare Nisbet
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