Mariano Cowen is being investigated for an alleged "exchange" of favors with some jockeys.
Argentina.- The current administrator of the Hipódromo de La Plata, Mariano Cowen, is under scrutiny after an investigation revealed that the official might have rigged and influenced the outcomes of horse races through favors to jockeys.
Cowen, who is also the president of the Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata football club, is being investigated for this incident that has caused a scandal on two fronts: at the club he presides over and among the turf unions.
According to the site La Movida Platense, Cowen would have periodic meetings with some of the jockeys to exchange favors and benefit both parties. This news has spread among the Turf environment where Cowen is expected to exercise his right to reply.
See also: The governor of Buenos Aires inaugurated the building renovations of the Hipódromo de La Plata
It is worth remembering that in 2024 the Hipódromo was the focus of several conflicts that led to strikes, acts of violence, complaints, and a crisis that has been ongoing for years. At the beginning of 2024, an incident of corruption involving authorities and the political sphere at the Hipódromo was revealed. A special report from the program "Somos Buenos" on the news channel TN revealed that within the Hipódromo de La Plata, which depends on the Institute of Lottery and Casinos of the Province of Buenos Aires (IPLyC Buenos Aires), funds disguised as "overtime" for people who were not employees of the place were allegedly diverted. In total, it is suspected that AR$1m per month might have been diverted.
During the year, there were strikes called by the unions of jockeys and stable hands in demand of various issues ranging from salary adjustments to improvements in building infrastructure, among others.
