Industry News

 THE HOARSE WHISPERER  By Jenny Ortuoste for Manila Standard-Today,  7 October 2009, Wednesday

Racing Festivals Coming Soon

It’s the last quarter of the year, when horseowners’ organizations traditionally schedule their racing festivals, one after the other, to celebrate their passion of the sport, showcase the best quality runners of the country, and provide incentives to race participants to recognize their achievements and reward their investments of time, effort, and resources.

Racing fans look forward to this time, when the best of the best come out to compete against each other, no quarter given, no points for second place. The action that takes place at these events is spectacular, the kind of heart-pounding, glass-shattering, earth-moving excitement that brings crowds to their feet, shouting and roaring for more.

October kicks it off with the Klub Don Juan de Manila racing festival on October 20 to 25 at the Manila Jockey Club’s San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite. Four major races will be held – the Don Juan Derby, Golden Girls for older racemares, Juvenile Colts, and Juvenile Fillies stakes. The rest of the week will be highlighted with special and trophy races. KDJM always puts on a great show since they started the event in 2002, and this year, says president Lamberto “Jun” Almeda Jr., will be just as interesting. “We prepared for this months in advance,” he said, “to make this something that racing fans will really enjoy watching.”

November is MARHO Breeders’ Cup month. The Metropolitan Association of Race Horse Owners celebrates its 35^th anniversary this year, and this year’s Jade edition of the MBC is the 14^th such event by the first, oldest, and largest horseowners’ group in the country. Set for November 24 to 29 at the Philippine Racing Club’s New Santa Ana Park in Naic, Cavite, the six traditional major MBC races offer temptingly large prize money purses – the Sprint, Juvenile Fillies, Juvenile Colts, Filly Mile, Colt Mile, and the Classic. Only local-bred horses may join, as the program was initially set up by MARHO chairman Leonardo Javier Jr. and past president Aristeo Puyat to support and promote thoroughbred breeding in the country.

For those wishing to enter their MBC-nominated runners, the first declaration is on October 27, and the second declaration on November 3 at the PRC Handicapping Department. Said MARHO president mayor Benhur Abalos, “This event is all the more special as it falls on our 35^th anniversary. We in the MARHO will do our best to make this raceweek unforgettable.” Trophy and special races throughout the week will add to the glory of the event.

December ushers in the Philippine Thoroughbred Owners’ and Breeders’ Organization Championship races. Slated for December 22 to 27 as the year-ender extravaganza at NSAP in Naic, Philtobo will stage minor races along with four majors  – the Classic, 3YO Colts, 3YO Fillies, and the Juvenile championship. The latter merges the colts and fillies races that used to be run separately. As an open-gender group, expect the racing to be even more suspense-filled.

The icing on the cake are two Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office events. PCSO racing committee vice-chairman Rey Empremiado confirmed that the PCSO Presidential Gold Cup is set for December 6 at SLLP. This is one of the most prestigious races on the calendar, and it’s anybody’s guess at this point who will take home the gleaming golden trophy carved with intricate figures that takes pride of place on a horseowner’s shelf.

But as game show hosts say – “Not only that, there’s more!” Empremiado revealed that the PCSO has just approved the staging of the Diamond Anniversary races to mark the agency’s 75^th anniversary this year. Tentatively set for December 13 at NSAP, ten big races are to be held, promising more nerve-racking, nail-biting, pulse-throbbing competition.  Look forward to the finest in horseracing in the months to come.  ***

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THE HOARSE WHISPERER  By Jenny Ortuoste for Manila Standard-Today, 5 August 2009, Wednesday

Equine Nutrition        

Ask any equine specialist the number one factor for horse performance in racing and chances are she’ll answer, ”Nutrition.” As in any sport, athletes need to be well-nourished to reach their peak condition and and sustain it, something that goes for horses as well as humans.

 The debate on type and quality of feeds has raged for decades in racing circles. Some trainers and horseowners advocate the simplicity of locally-produced feeds such as oats and ”matamis” (sweet feed), while those with bigger budgets may opt for imported brands.

Is there a difference between local and imported formulas? Many veterinarians say a slight edge in performance is noted with the use of imported feeds. Says veterinarian Dan Arreola, ”I used to be in the feeds business before I started my veterinary practice. Whether it’s feeds for horses, pigs, or other animals, the quality of local feeds depends on the availability of ingredients -which aren’t always available.” If money were no object, which would he recommend? “I’d say go for the imported for its formulation and quality control.”

One of the brands gaining many fans here is Australia’s Hygain, especially for their racing blends Racetorque and Powatorque.

Racetorque is a complete micronized sweet feed with added bio-available silicon (for strong bones), Vitamin E for antioxidant and immune system benefits, chromium (reduces lactic acid build-up after races and workouts), and selenium (prevents fatty oxidation that may cause tissue damage). Rice bran oil, omega essential 3, 6, 9, and other nutrients are included to improve skin, hoof, and coat condition, and provide other nutritional benefits that maximize horse health and boost performance.

Equine nutritionist veterinarian Steven Duren will arrive from Singapore on August 12 to give a presentation that evening about Hygain feeds at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club. Admission is free for interested parties from all the equine disciplines. Call Josie at 331-5076 to inquire.

Meanwhile, racing circles are abuzz with the speculation that a 2YO racehorse currently competing in the elite juvenile ranks was foaled two months earlier than its registered date of birth of January 2007. The horse is an ”island-born”, born in this country to a broodmare imported in May 2006 while pregnant.

The Australian breeder of the horse provides a December 2005 “last cover date” or service date for the mare. Since light horses such as thoroughbreds, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual, have a gestation period of 11 to 11.5 months, this would mean that the controversial 2YO was carried by its dam for 13 months.

The Philippine Racing Commission inquired into the matter, and the horse’s connections replied that this particular case was “abnormal” in that the gestation period for this horse really was 13 months. Citing information from one of the foremost breeding ranches in Australia, where cases have been reported of 13 to 14 months’ gestation periods, the horse’s connections contend that such prolonged periods of gestation are not totally unknown in breeding circles.  

Why the brouhaha over this issue? What’s a couple of months here or there? There are railbirds who are vigilant about matters like this, since a couple of months’ advantage in age may mean the difference between winning or losing. More than that, the requirements of a level playing field must be met, for fairness and sportsmanship to prevail in a sport that depends for its income on its credibility with bettors.   ***

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THE HOARSE WHISPERER By Jenny Ortuoste for Manila Standard-Today,  1 July 2009, Wednesday

On Field Size

It’s practically axiomatic in racing circles that the larger the field size of a race, the more likely it is that longshots or non-favorites will emerge as winners, leading to bigger payoffs.

This increases bettor participation and, ultimately, racing club gross sales. Other direct benefits of this phenomenon are larger prizes for horseowners, trainers, and jockeys who have won or placed.

In a perfect world, all races would be ”full gate” – maximum capacity. In the Philippines, the starting gates of both the Philippine Racing Club and the Manila Jockey Club accommodate fourteen runners.

But it isn’t always that large fields are sent off on racedays. Just some couple of years ago, field sizes were thin, leading to lackluster involvement from racing fans. This was pointed out by Santa Anita Park president Ron Charles on a visit to the Philippines in November 2007. Races were being run with only four, five, or six runners.

Since then, the general situation has improved somewhat. For instance, last weekend at the PRC’s New Santa Ana Park in Naic, Cavite, had a gratifying number of runners. Sunday’s card of 13 races had two full gate races, three races of 13 runners, and one of 12. The race that fielded the smallest number – four – was for 2YO winners, a miniscule group.

Longshots abounded that day – Fast Forward, sixth favorite in race 2; Inspiring, who scored an upset in race 5; Black Tulip, the longest shot of six in race 9; and Bullish Dream, far fourth pick in race 11. The first set of the Winner-Take-All event yielded a one million peso payoff each for two winners, while the second set gave a handsome P73 thousand each to 19 winners.

What leads to larger field sizes? Horse population is the number one factor, and this depends on how many horses are ”on spell” (ranch vacation) at a given time; whether there is an illness in the ranks (such as past years’ equine influenze and equine infectious anemia); and if there is a large number of imports to swell the population (as was the case this year and last).

Horseowner and breeder involvement is crucial in this regard. They are the ones with the passion – and the pockets – for buying and maintaining racing stables and thoroughbred breeding ranches, at great expense to themselves and rarely for profit. When conditions for racing – track conditions, handicapping guidelines, importation policies, racing rules and regulations – are deemed beneficial for the sport, new players come in, the established ones increase their own activities, and it’s a win-win scenario for the industry.

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Association of Race Horse Owners reminds all owners, breeders, and trainers that the following schedule for nominations to the 2009 MARHO Breeders’ Cup program will be observed: yearlings born in 2008, from July to September; weanlings born in 2009, from October to December; and stallions of entries in the MBC, up to one week before the scheduled running of the 14^th MARHO Breeders’ Cup races in November. ***

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THE HOARSE WHISPERER  By Jenny Ortuoste for Manila Standard-Today,  27 May 2009, Wednesday

Racing Broadcast Problem       

Don Enrico scored back-to-back wins in this month’s Philippine Racing Commission-sponsored Gemstone stakes series by copping the 1,500-meter Emerald II S. at the Manila Jockey Club’s San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite, last Sunday, May 24.

The 4YO bay colt by Philippine champion Wind Blown out of Australian mare Kayumanggi massacred a sparse field to cruise to an easy victory, executing the same strategy he unleashed last May 17 to win the mile Emerald I S. by many lengths.

Jockey FM Raquel only shows the whip to Don Enrico. (Screenshot courtesy of SLBN.)

Ridden by Class A jockey Fernando Raquel Jr., the Lorraine Uy Wi-owned and Arturo Sordan-trained Don Enrico mowed down aging opponents Chariot of Fire, Mr. Victory, and Earl Grey even while carrying the heaviest impost at 57 kgs. Don Enrico logged 1:32.6 for the race.

The field for the Philracom Emerald II S. running the first quarter of the race. (Screenshot courtesy of SLBN.)

With Don Enrico running as outstanding favorite and certain to score a fait accompli in that race, more attention was given to the other development that racing week – the intermittent failure of the live racing broadcast out of San Lazaro Leisure Park.

Fans were dismayed to see their television screens flicker or go to black at intervals during the entire coverage including the running of races beginning Wednesday last week. “System message” and “waiting for signal” texts popped up with frequency. The audio quality cycled from “good” to “poor” to “non-existent”.

“Sagabal sa panunuod ng karera at pagsubaybay ng benta,” said “Nihawma”, a racing fan on the cyberforum thewinnersleague.com. A horseowner who regularly visits an off-track betting station claims that he saw customers fling down their programs and leave the OTB, disgusted at the wonky transmission.

With last year’s pullout of MJC’s previous coverage provider, Makisig Network, MJC set up its own production arm – San Lazaro Broadcast Network. Production and transmission are now handled in-house.

Knowledgeable sources say that SLBN dismissed power amplifier service provider Telered some months ago to save costs. SLBN then acquired Telered’s old power amplifier, while neglecting to provide a backup system. The amplifier failed last racing week. SLBN borrowed one from Destiny, but the latter had to take it back on Wednesday. It was thought that the Wednesday races would have to be cancelled, until SLBN rented an amplifier elsewhere.

SLBN has ordered a new power amplifier from abroad, but, as a broadcast equipment supplier commented, “These things are not bought off the shelf. They are custom-built. It will take eight weeks to do that, plus shipping time.”

A look at industry sales will show that since 2003 and the move of MJC’s racecourse to Cavite from Manila, around 95% of the racing club’s gross sales from wagers come from OTBs.  Without a decent broadcast, the OTBs will fail. Sales will slump even more.

With the worldwide recession and the decline of racing as a profitable business – witness the racetracks that have shut down in the US and other countries – Philippine racing must step up in order to be sustainable. More than 5,000 people depend on the industry for their livelihood. Millions in the country and abroad enjoy the sport.

As a racing commentator since 2002, a quality live racing broadcast has always been my advocacy. This is how the industry pulls in revenues that keep it alive. More importantly, this is the face that Philippine racing shows to the world. Why can’t the industry get its act together on this?   *** (Web: http://jennyo.net)

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Race tax bill passes Lower House

By Jenny Ortuoste for Manila Standard-Today, 20 May 2009, Wednesday

 (Banner story on the Sports page. Last two paragraphs below omitted from published story due to space constraints.)

“It’s a landmark day for the racing industry.”

This was the comment of Palawan Rep. Abraham Mitra yesterday when the House of Representatives Ways and Means and Games and Amusements Committees approved House Bill 4176 that he authored.

The law rationalizes direct taxes on exotic bets which at present make Philippine horseracing, taxed at 20%, among the highest-taxed even among its counterparts abroad. With other deductions such as those for track take and prize money, the total tax rate for exotic bets soars to about 35%.

Exotic bets include the Winner-Take-All, Pick 6, Pick 5, superfecta, supersix, pentafecta, quartet, and triple trifecta. Direct taxes on these are the documentary stamp tax at 10% and the tax on winnings at 10%.

Cong. Mitra’s bill, incorporating policy suggestions from the Philippine Racing Commission, will cut the taxes on exotic bets by half to mirror the present tax rate on special bets – daily double, forecast, double quinella, trifecta, daily double plus one, extra double, and win – which are taxed 5% for DST and 4% for tax on winnings.

In his presentation before the two House committees, Philracom chairman lawyer Jose Ferdinand Rojas II pointed out that every time taxes on racing were reduced, industry gross sales and government revenue increased. “When Executive Order 194 was passed in 1987,” said Rojas, “reducing direct taxes on special bets, gross sales reached a billion pesos for the first  time the following year. A positive impact was felt immediately.”

Slide from the Philracom presentation showing the tax structure that passed muster (highlighted in yellow).

He added that paradoxically, when taxes are increased, revenues plunged. This occurred several times – when Presidential Decree 1947 increased the DST to 10%; in 1984 when PD 1959 doubled the DST to 20%, causing racing operations to cease for a time due to the prohibitive tax burden; and in 1993 when Republic Act 7660 increased the DST from 5% to 10% on special bets.

According to House Games and Amusements Committee chairman and Manila congressman Amado Bagatsing, the bill “will greatly benefit the betting public because more funds will be available for payouts. This in turn would weaken illegal bookie operations because they would not be able to match the higher payouts that the racing clubs will give under this scheme.”

Tarlac congressman Jeci Lapus agreed, saying that “this will be a big boost to the development of the horseracing and breeding industry. Increased sales will be an incentive for more players to invest in the sport by way of horses, infrastructure, and off-track betting stations.”

Cong. Mitra expressed his pleasure on the support his bill received from his colleagues in the Lower House, saying, “We expect this to encourage wider public participation and an increase in probable stakeholders, leading to jobs generation for trainers, jockeys, grooms, and other workers in the industry, and other economic benefits.”

The bill still has to undergo the scrutiny of the Senate before it passes into law.   ***

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Track Condition Deplored

By Jenny Ortuoste for Manila Standard-Today, Saturday, 9 May 2009

 (Banner story on the Sports page.)

The largest horseowners’ organization in the country reacted strongly to a spate of accidents that occurred last week at the Philippine Racing Club’s Santa Ana Park in Naic, Cavite,

From Wednesday to Sunday last week, four horses incurred severe injuries that necessitated their humane destruction. On Wednesday, Sun Chaser suffered a complete compound fracture of the distal third metacarpal bone of the off-forelimb. On Saturday, Midnight King had a fracture of the humerus of the off shoulder and What About Andee, a complete compound fracture of the distal third cannon bone of the near-fore. On Sunday, Fantasy Angel suffered a dislocation of the fetlock joint on the off-fore.

Nine other horses – Time Deposit, Miss Malabon, Bumpy Johnson, Tiger Raffy, I Remain, Hugs and Kisses, Winking Eye, Raven, and Doña Marucha – were found to be limping after their races.

Worse were the injuries suffered by the jockeys – Mark Alvarez, unseated off Midnight King on Saturday, was unable to ride the rest of the weekend. Egay Lumagui, who fell off What About Andee on Saturday, is still in the ICU unit of M. V. Santiago Hospital in Trece Martirez, Cavite.

According to the New Philippine Jockeys’ Association, Lumagui suffered a blood clot in the brain and could not speak coherently or comprehend until yesterday. Today, one of his physicians, Dr. Pinky Isaac, says his condition has improved, and the clot is expected to diffuse on its own without need for surgery.

According to Metropolitan Association of Race Horse Owners president Mandaluyong Mayor lawyer Benhur Abalos, jockeys and trainers said heavy rains at the track last Thursday may have caused the sand of the track surface to settle unevenly, which could have led to the rash of accidents. 

Abalos sent a letter in behalf of MARHO to PRC management saying, “PRC needs to be more prudent with their safety measures. These accidents are very alarming.”

He added that the racing club needs to assure horseowners that their track is in a fit condition for this coming PRC racing week, especially since three Philippine Racing Commission-sponsored stakes races will be held there on May 17 – the Emerald I, the Hopeful I, and the highly-prestigious Triple Crown I for local 3YO horses.

MARHO director Jose Mari Franco lauded Abalos’ move, and noted that “horrendous” conditions at the Manila Jockey Club’s San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite, also need to be investigated. “My horse Spanish Ruler hit a lubak there two weeks ago and suffered multiple slab fractures on the right knee and can never run again.” 

For their part, the racing clubs are acting to improve the condition of their tracks. The outer track of SLLP’s twin tracks have been undergoing rehabilitation for some weeks now, with repair of the inner track to follow.

PRC Racing Manager Dan Valmonte said that in coordination with jockeys Lyndon Guce and Edwin de la Cruz of the jockeys’ association, an inspection was made of their Santa Ana Park track a few days ago with the jockeys pointing to what they said were soft spots.

“We took up the surface at the spots they pointed out,” said Valmonte, “but we found nothing wrong with the layers; everything was intact.”

He added that the rains caused the track surface to harden. “What we will do is harrow the track with a roto-tiller to restore the surface to the condition it was before the rains – a bit soft. Track times may slow down, but we will do all we can to ensure the safety of race participants. Everything is being done to have the track ready for the next racing week.”   ***

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Equine Care Seminar Held   

By Jenny Ortuoste for Manila Standard-Today, 28 April 2009, Tuesday

(This story appeared in the paper in edited form.)

Race horse owners’ group Klub Don Juan de Manila recently spearheaded an equine seminar that presented aspects of horse care and training to horsemen in the country.

The guest speaker, Australian veterinarian Ross Teitzel, discussed yearling selection, conformation and balance, diet, and workouts, among other topics.

Dr. Teitzel presents to over 70 attendees.

Equine nutritionist Greg Manley of Australia’s Hy-Gain Feeds also spoke about horse digestion and nutrition.

It was one of the few rare times that representatives from the various equine sports – racing, equestrian, and polo – converged for one event. Among the attendees were Pampanga congressman Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo, chairman of KDJM, and Equestrian Association of the Philippines director Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, equestrian champion.

Ms. Cojuangco-Jaworski watches as her groom (left) and Herma Farms and Stud veterinarian Dr. Karlo Santos (dark green shirt, right) put her horse through a test, while Dr. Ross Teitzel (back) observes.

Held last April 20 at the Manila Polo Club, the seminar was co-sponsored by two other racing groups, Metropolitan Association of Race Horse Owners and Philippine Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Organization.

Said KDJM president Lamberto C. Almeda Jr., “We plan to host more events of a similar nature that will be of interest and benefit to the participants of equine sports in the country.” ***

Among the seminar attendees at the MPC’s “The Last Chukker” restaurant, the event venue, were trainer Dong Velasquez, New Philippine Jockeys’ Association president and veteran rider Antonio Alcasid Jr., trainer Gil Pansoy, Philracom commissioner and former star jockey Eduardo Domingo Jr., and NPJA director jockey Gilbert Francisco.

Seminar attendees observe the hands-on evaluation conducted by Dr. Teitzel.

KDJM president Lamberto “Jun” Almeda, trainer Jess Pabilic, KDJM directors  Robert Francisco and Atty. Alex Carandang, KDJM chairman Pampanga congressman Mikey Arroyo, C. Mano of Singapore, Dr. Teitzel, KDJM member Nani Almeda, and KDJM treasurer VG Martinez.

Among the other guests were (extreme left) Ms. Cojuangco-Jaworski, MPC’s Ms. Mia Virata, Hy-gain’s Greg Manley (with glasses), Caloocan councillor and MARHO member Maca Asistio (orange shirt), KDJM officer Alvin Ferreras (behind him), and Philtobo and MARHO director Manny Santos (extreme right).

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THE HOARSE WHISPERER By Jenny Ortuoste for Manila Standard-Today,  8 April 2009, Wednesday

Jockey Gets One Year Suspension

For many racing fans, it was a just punishment and satisfying call by the Philippine Racing Club Board of Stewards.

Positive reactions greeted the suspension of star jockey Jonathan B. Hernandez last Saturday, when the announcement was made that he was slapped with a one-year (312 racing days) suspension for “deliberately losing the race” when he lost with outstanding favorite Blue Ocean in Race 8 last Friday at Santa Ana Park.

Hernandez; the race lineup as printed in Dividendazo racing program.

Hernandez eased up on his mount a few meters before the wire, allowing fast-charging Boot Legs to come from behind and nip him at the finish line. A photo-finish result declared the long-shot Boot Legs (Mr. Sutter-Bell Bottoms) the winner.

Blue Ocean (Mr. Sutter-Pointe de Pieds), a multiple stakes contender, had won a race two weeks before by many lengths, and was considered a shoo-in for the ordinary Class 4 Division 3B race last Friday.

The other runners in the race – Boot Legs, City of Dreams, Speedy McKie, Money for Rap, Hot Gossip, Capretiosa, and Star Turk – were lightly regarded and the 1,200 meter race should have been easy pickings for Blue Ocean.

Anger erupted among racing fans at Blue Ocean’s loss, which was assuaged only the next day with the announcement of the suspension.

Sources from the jockey community said that Hernandez admitted to “overconfidence” by standing up before the finish line but that he denied any malicious intent in his ride.

Other sources also mentioned that Hernandez has been dismissed from the Herminio S. Esguerra racing stable, owner of Blue Ocean and of Go Army. The latter lost two stakes races in February and March with Hernandez aboard. Go Army (Mr. Sutter-J’Approve) had been undefeated and the losses marred his record.

Hailed the 2008 Jockey of the Year, Hernandez last year earned P41.8 million in prize money from 651 rides with a first to fourth record of 187-124-84-66. He is considered one of the most talented riders ever in Philippine horseracing.

But the past months have not been good for Hernandez. He was suspended for 72 racing days by the Manila Jockey Club Board of Stewards for an infraction in a 26 December 2008 race aboard Macedonian. Upon appeal, in January the Philippine Racing Commission reduced his sentence to “time served” but fined him for making a sarcastic comment to the MJC BOS during the investigation.

On 10 February 2009, during the MJC racemeet at San Lazaro Leisure Park, he was replaced as rider of Panibugho for “loss of confidence” on the part of the horse’s owner. The very next day, he was suspended for 24 racing days for “lack of interest” aboard Last Hazm. The suspension was later shifted to the horse when it was found that the horse had been limping.

Hernandez may appeal his one-year suspension to the Philracom; if the penalty is upheld, he may bring the case to Malacañang for decision.

The Hernandez case overshadowed other events at Santa Ana Park last weekend. On Saturday, island-born longshot Tribal Queen (Tribal Rule-Homecoming Queen) scored an upset in Race 5 with a wire-to-wire win over 1,000 meters, coming in five lengths ahead of the favorite Big Ben. Owned by Jamaya Stables, Tribal Queen is trained by Buboy Jacob and was ridden by John B. Cordero.

On Sunday, Australian import Tiwi Magic (Hemingway-Dreamtime) won the 6^th Juanito A. Macaraig Cup, sponsored by horseowner William Dagan and the Klub Don Juan de Manila. Macaraig, who died in 2007, was a star jockey during his time and later on became a trainer. Three other special races supported by Philracom were also held in his honor that same day.

The jumpout for the 6th Juanito A. Macaraig Cup. Tiwi Magic (yellow silks) broke from the outermost stall (#7).

Tiwi Magic is owned by Tony Tan, trained by Nestor Manalang, and was ridden by Jesse B. Guce. ***

Tiwi Magic pulls away from the rest of the field in the final stage of the race.

At the awarding ceremony (front, L-R): Jockey Joey Macaraig, son of the late Juanito A. Macaraig; KDJM Director Rudy Pamintuan; jockey Jesse B. Guce with his children; Mrs. Mila Macaraig, widow of the race honoree; Detdet Fernando, representative of owner Tony Tan; trainer Nestor Manalang; Odette Macaraig, daughter of the race honoree. (Back): William Dagan, horseowner and race sponsor, with his children Mark, Erilyn, and Kelly An. In an interview after the awarding ceremony, Dagan said he has made his children promise to carry on the sponsorship of this race in the future.

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The demolition of the structures at the old Santa Ana Park racetrack in Makati City is about half-way done, and about four hectares of the property is nearly ready for turnover to the new owners, the Lucio Tan group.

Main grandstand that once housed the ballroom, broadcast studio, VIP lounge, and horseowners’ boxes.

Habitues of this establishment will probably never forget this logo.

The side of the main building facing the track.

For those who want a last look at “Santa Ana”, the grand old lady of horseracing, and for more pictures and a sentimental story, click here. The link will take you to my other blog, Gogirl Cafe.

Let’s raise our glasses in tribute, thank our stars that once upon a time we watched races here, and look forward to the future of horseracing, a sport that never stands still. Enjoy.

All photos by Alex Alcasid. All rights reserved.

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