AS expected, the Abalos golden trio ruled the Dec. 27 Philippine Racing Commission Grand Derby held at Metroturf Racecourse in Malvar, Batangas.
This was Philracom’s last stakes race of the year and was won by Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur C. Abalos’s Gentle Strength, steered by Jonathan B. Hernandez and trained by Ruben S. Tupas.
Gentle Strength won by three lengths over second placer Court of Honor. Hook Shot was third and Mr. Minister fourth and last.
Total time for the 2,000-meter race was 2:04.4 (24’-23’-25-24’-27).
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Philracom reminds racing fans that today, Dec. 30, Rizal Day, is a no-race day, as is Jan. 1. The first racing day in 2016 is Jan. 2 at San Lazaro Leisure Park, and the first stakes race is the Philracom Commissioner’s Cup on Jan. 17 at Metroturf.
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The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office starts its racing year on Jan. 16 at Metroturf with a 3YO open maiden race, with the trial to be held on Jan. 6.
The seven declared entries are: Wilfredo Apan Jr.’s filly Tiger Helen, to be ridden by jockey JA Guce; Panfilo Castro Jr.’s filly Enduring, CM Pilapil; Ferdinand T. Eusebio’s filly Lady Pio, JB Guce; Erwin Dy’s colt Ungkaw, KB Abobo; Benjamin Virata’s colt Kid Benjie, DH Borbe Jr.; Vernadette Mercado’s filly Snowbird, FM Raquel Jr.; and Juan Miguel Yulo’s colt Lucky Ray, MA Alvarez.
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This year was an exciting one for racing, with changes and challenges that the industry surmounted to ensure the sustainability of the sport.
In January, a new slate of Philracom commissioners was appointed, with past chairman Andrew A. Sanchez taking the helm once more. With him are new commissioners Bienvenido C. Niles Jr. and lawyers Ramon S. Bagatsing Jr., Wilfredo A. de Ungria, and Jose Santillan Jr. Reappointees are lawyer Victor Tantoco and Lyndon B. Guce.
They set about to help improve the industry’s marketing efforts, with Chairman Sanchez arranging for the first-ever live television coverage of the PCSO Presidential Gold Cup last Dec. 13 at San Lazaro Leisure Park.
Philracom also partnered with press photographers for a regular photo contest that bring images of racing to newspapers and online platforms.
The agency also strictly enforced rules and regulations on the conduct and management of races by the racing clubs, and carefully monitored races, never hesitating to suspend or fine erring personnel as required, for the protection of the betting public.
As a new year dawns upon us, we look forward to an even more revitalized atmosphere for the growth and development of the sport of horseracing and the Philippine Thoroughbred industry.
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Update on the 1st Great Big Gogirl Racing Christmas raffle: in line with the raffle rules, there were 78 official participants.
Thanks to the generosity of jockeys Jonathan B. Hernandez, Kelvin B. Abobo, John Alvin Guce, Jesse B. Guce, Rodeo G. Fernandez, Jeffril T. Zarate, Patricio Dilema, and Mark A. Alvarez; trainer Ruben S. Tupas; head groom Melvin Villegas; jockeys’ assistant Angelito Cameña; the three racing clubs Philippine Racing Club, Manila Jockey Club, and Metroturf;— plus the bounty from my own stash, and help from jockey Antonio B. Alcasid Jr., there are enough items to go around.
In other words, everyone who joined gets a gift!
Raffle participants, please PM me at the Gogirl Racing Facebook page your nearest off-track betting station where you can pick up your gift. My gratitude goes to MJC racing manager Ding Magboo and his team for helping with the logistics of distribution.
Thank you, readers, for your support of this column. In 2016, may your capital be small and your dividends be huge. A big, beautiful, and bountiful New Year to us all!
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