Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Pato (Duck)
Pato
, a sport native to Argentina, is played on
horseback. It originated in the early 17th cen-
tury with the
gauchos
and
criollos
who lived on
the
pampas
. At that time, a duck was placed
into a leather bag and tossed from teammate to
teammate until a goal was scored. The game
was so rough that players were trampled to
death and it had to be banned. Aficionados
revised the rules to create a gentler version and
the sport was revived in the 1940s. Though just
as fast-paced as before,
pato
is now played by
four-man teams and the duck has been replaced
by a leather ball with handles. The object is to
score by throwing the ball through a net hung
from a field post - much like a basketball net.
Matches are held at
estancias
near the city and
occasionally at the Palermo Polo Fields. Check
listings in the
Buenos Aires Herald
or with your
concierge or the tourist office.
Horseracing
The
Hipódromo Argentino
in Palermo is the
scene of big money races and assorted champi-
onships. It has dirt tracks and seating for
70,000. Admission runs between $12 and $24
for seats. The minimum bet is $2. Check the
Buenos Aires Herald
for schedules or call the
racetrack at
Weekly handi-
cap magazines
are ubiquitous
at kiosks.
4774-6807. Good luck!
The
Jockey Track
in San Isidro is another
popular track. Races are run on grass and are
generally held on Wednesdays and during the
