Another 6-day racing programs on tap at SLLP starting Tuesday
MJCI HOSTS ANOTHER WEEK OF RACING IN CARMONA

Following the highly successful staging of the “Alay sa Kawal” Racefest last week at the San Lazaro Leisure Park, Manila Jockey Club, Inc. (MJCI), is set to host for the second week in a row another six (6) days of thrilling horse racing action starting this Tuesday (September 2) at the country’s newest and most modern horse racing complex in Carmona, Cavite.

MJCI’s back-to-back racing schedule includes four (4) evening cards of nine races each from today thru Friday and two (2) weekend programs of 13 races each on Saturday and Sunday.

“With the continuing support of the betting public, the industry’s major players and sponsors, we are confident that MJCI could make much progress in the future and possibly achieve the goal of becoming a truly world-class racing institution,” noted MJCI President and Chief Executive Alfonso R. Reyno, Jr.

Highlight of weeklong race program is the running of the Philracom Special Invitational Race for Class C Jockeys on Sunday, September 7.

Carrying a guaranteed bankroll of P400, 000.00, sponsored by the Philippine Racing Commission, the event is a restricted race for Class 4 gallopers and will involve 15 Class C Jockeys who will be paired to the select field of final declared entries by means of scheduled lottery this coming Wednesday at the SLLP.

The SLLP currently boasts of a twin-oval all-weather racetrack that is twice as the old San Lazaro Hippodrome racetrack. MJCI utilizes both ovals on a regular basis, with the inner track being used for shorter distance races and the bigger outer track for races set over a mile distance.

The club’s stabling complex could now accommodate as much as 960 horses while the Turf Club building is also nearing completion and is already equipped with all the basic amenities to address the demands of the betting public and the club’s regular patrons.

The San Lazaro Leisure Park is only 36 kilometers south of Manila and is easily accessible by using either Carmona or Southwoods Exits.

2^nd ALAY SA KAWAL RACEFEST GETS UNDERWAY
MJCI HOST 6-DAY RACING WEEK ANEW STARTING TUESDAY AT SLLP

For the third week in a row, Manila Jockey Club, Inc. (MJCI)- the country’s premier race club, will be hosting another six (6) days of thrilling horse racing action starting this Tuesday (August 26) at the sparkling San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite.

MJCI’s 6-day racing schedule includes four (4) evening cards of nine races each from Tuesday thru Friday and two (2) weekend programs of 13 races each on Saturday and Sunday.

The weeklong program jumpstarts MJCI’s two-week racing calendar which will run through the first racing week of September, as approved by the Philracom.

“We would like to invite all racing aficionados to witness and patronize our exciting program of horse races for the next two weeks at the SLLP, even as we showcase the new developments at our modern horse racing complex in Carmona,” noted MJCI President and Chief Executive Alfonso R. Reyno, Jr.

Three highlight events will banner this week’s program of races at the SLLP, which will be dubbed as the 2^nd “Alay sa Kawal” Racing Festival, a racing fund-raiser for the benefit of the Alay sa Kawal Foundation.

These featured events include the “PCSO Maiden Stakes Race”, the “Philracom Special Invitational Race” for Class D & E Jockeys and the highlight “ Alay sa Kawal Cup Races”, which have all been scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 31.

Six (6) track newcomers banner the rich PCSO Maiden Stakes Race, including trial race winner Sweet Conquest and maiden gallopers Royal Salute, Regal Style, I Love This Game, Special Mission and Mark My Word. Set over 1, 500- meters, the featured maiden race carries a top pot of P500, 000.00 to the winner.

The Philracom Special Invitational Race for Class D & E Jockeys meanwhile, is a P400, 000.00 restricted race for Class 4 gallopers and will involve 15 Class D & E Jockeys who’ll be paired to the final declared entries through a scheduled lottery.

The San Lazaro Leisure Park, which currently operates the newest twin-oval racetrack in the country, is only 36 kilometers south of Manila is easily accessible by using either the Carmona or Southwoods Exits.

People's Journal
Wednesday, May 23, 2001

Interesting horse racing action returns to the San Lazaro Hippodrome this Sunday as the Manila Jockey Club, Inc. (MJCI) mark its 134th founding anniversary with the staging of the "1867 Founders Cup" Stakes Race.

This event, First held in 1977, pays tribute to the original founders of the Manila Jockey Club, the socio fundadores who organized the first horse racing club in the Far East in 1867." More than memorial race, the staging of the 19867 Founder's Cup Stakes Race is our own way of expressing our gratitude of the different sectors of the horse racing industry, most notably to the racing fans, who have consistently patronized the club for more than a century of its existence," said the Manila Jockey Club, Inc. (MJCI) President Alfonso R. Reyno, Jr.

Reyno also announced this year's will now be known as the "Prieto Cup" in tribute to the members of the Prieto clan which were among the original incorporators of the Manila Jockey Club.

The surprise announcement was made by Reyno in the presence of the MJCI Chairman Emeritus Leopoldo Prieto, who was visibly moved by the kind gesture.

MJCI's annual summertime classic will once again showcase the best-bred racehorse in the country today, headline no less by current track sensation Wind Blown, impressive winner of the recent PCSO First Gentleman Silver Cup at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

Set to challenge Wind Blown for the 1,900 meter track encounter are last year's champion Gold Edition, stakes winner Materiales Fuertes, veteran Super Sharp and seasoned gallopers Master Ijhay and Project Genesis.

Being a handicap event, Wind Blown is set to carry top weight of 58 kgs. Giving away 4kgs. To the next highest rated entry in the field.

The 24th running of the event will carry a total pot of P600,000 with P 300,000 guaranteed to the winner.

The three other placers will receive P 1540,000, P100,000 and 50,000, respectively.

A replica of the permanent MJCI "1867 Founders Cup" will be awarded to the owner of the winning horse whose name would be added to the select list of previous cup winners inscribed in the original "Founders Cup".

Lending support to the featured blue-ribbon classic is the running of the TAB Philippine Cup, a P300,00 guaranteed handicap race sponsored by TAB Philippines in co-operation with Jupiters International, an Australian company engaged in the supply operation of modern computer wagering system which is set to formal a deal with MJCI.

"We are truly honored to contribute our share to the growth and development of horse racing on the Philippines and we are looking forward to a forging a mutually beneficial and long term partnership with the Manila Jockey Club," said Jupiters-TAB Philippines President Edgardo Reyes.

Among the the horse set to dispute the 1,500-meter Cup are Divine Magic, Golden Eagle, Hammerhead, Ilocandia Slew, My Preperido and Sonata.

In addition to our two featured stakes events, all the other races with a guaranteed added purse ranging from P10,000 to P 300,000 going to the winners and/or placers.

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The Manila Times
Saturday, May 26, 2001

Current track sensation Wind Blown parades to the starting post as the overwhelming favorite in tomorrow's featured running of the Prieto Cup - the 24th renewal of the Manila Jockey Club, Inc's "1867 Founders Cup" Stakes race, which officially gets underway at the San Lazaro hippodrome.

The P600,000 Prieto Cup headline's today's exciting line-up of races of the country's primiere race club, which marks its 134th founding anniversary with a commemorative card in tribute to the Club's original founders.

"The management and staff of the Manila Jockey Club, Inc. join the rest of the local horse racing industry in honoring the memory of the pioneer horsemen who organized the first horse racing club in the Far East in 1867. Moreover, this momentous occasion also obliges us to express our gratitude to the different sectors of the industry who have consistently patronized the Club over the years," according to the Manila Jockey Club, Inc. (MJCI) president Alfonso R. Reyno, Jr.

Set to challenge Wind Blown in the highlight 1,900-meter track encounter are some of the more seasoned stake campaigners in the country including last year's champion older horse Gold Edition, stakes winner Materiales Fuertes, stakes race veteran Super Sharp, proven handicap campaigner Master Ijhay and the speedy Project Genesis

Being a handicap event, Wind Blown is set to carry top weight of 58 kgs., giving away four kgs. to the next highest rated entry in the field.

This year's "1867 Founders Cup" has been named as the Prieto Cup in honor of the distinguished members of the Prieto family who have long played an important part in the Club's rich and colorful history.

"We deem it only proper that we recognize the vital contribution of the Prieto family in bringing about the Manila Jockey Club to its present stature as a respected institution, not only in the respect of gaming and entertainment, but more importantly for its socially relevant charity work and contribution to the economy," Reyno explained.

Members of the Prieto family led by MJCI Chairman Emiritus Leopoldo Prieto, have been invited to grace the occasion and award the coveted "1867 Founder's Cup" to the proud owner of the winning entry.

A replica of the permanent MJCI "1867 Founder's Cup" will be awarded to the owner of the winning horse, whose name would be added to the select list of previous cup winners inscribed in the original "Founder's Cup".

Lending support to the featured blue-ribbon classic would be the running of the TAB Philippines in cooperation with Jupiters International, an Australian company engaged in the supply and operation of modern computer wagering syatems.

Among the horses set dispute the 1,500-meter TAB Philippines Cup are Divine Magic, Golden Eagle, Hammerhead, Ilocandia Slew, My Preperido and Sonata.

"In addition to our two featured stakes events, all other races scheduled for today would be MJCI Anniversary Trophy Races with a guaranteed added purse ranging from P10,000 to P30,000 going to the winners and/or placers, thus ensuring that all the races on the card would be very competitive and exciting," explained MJCI Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Roberto R. Reverente.

As a part of the traditional appreciation to the racing public for its continued patronage of races at the Manila Jockey Club, a number of gift items and other giveaways would also be raffled out throughout the day for all racing patrons. Post time for the first race in the day's 14 race program has been set at 1 pm.

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Philippine Daily Inquirer
Sunday, May 27, 2001

Wind Blown will be the overwhelming favorite when the Prieto Cup - the 24th renewal of the Manila Jockey Club, Inc's. 1867 Founders Cup banners an impressive lineup of races at the country's premier race club which marks its 134th founding anniversary with a commemoration card in tribute to the club's original founders.

"The management and staff of the Manila Jockey Club, Inc. join the rest of the local horse racing industry in honoring the memory of the pioneer horsemen who organized the first horse racing club in the far East in 1867," said MJCI president Alfonso R. Reyno Jr.

Challenging Wind Blown, the former Sandy Javier galloper who last won in the First Lady Silver Cup, in the 1,900-meter event are last year's champion older horse Gold Edition, stakes winner Matyeriales Fuertes, stakes race veteran Super Sharp, proven handicap campaigner maste Ijhay and the speedy project Genesis.

Being a handicap event, Wind Blown is set to carry the top weight of 58kg, giving away four kilograms to next highest rated entry in the field.

This year's running of the 1867 Founder's Cup has been so renamed as the prieto cup in honor of the disatinguished members of the Prieto family who have long played an important part in ther club's rich and colorful history.

Members of the Prieto family, led by MJCI chair Emiritus Leopoldo L. Prieto, have been invited to grace, the ocassion and award the coveted of 1867 Founders Cup to the owner of the winning entry.

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Manila Bulletin
Sunday, May 27, 2001

Current Track sensation Wind Blown parades to the starting post as the overwhelming favorite in this afternoon's featured running of the "Prieto Cup" - the 24th renewal of Manila Jockey Club, Inc.'s "1867 Founder's Cup" Stakes race, which officially gets underway at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

The P600,000 "Prieto Cup" headlines today's exciting line-up of races at the country's premier race club, which marks its 134th founding anniversary with a commemorative card in tribute to the Club's original founders.

"The management and staff of the Manila Jockey Club, Inc. join the rest of the local horse racing industry in honoring the memory of the pioneer horsemen who organized the first horse racing club in the far East in 1867. Morover, this momentous occasion also obliges us to express our gratitude to the different sectors of the industry who have consistently patronized the Club over the years," according to the Manila Jockey Club Inc. (MJCI) President Alfonso R. Reyno, Jr.

Set to challenge Wind Blown in the highlight 1,900-meter track encounter are some of the more seasoned stakes campaigners in the country including last year's champion older horse Gold Edition, stakes winner Materiales Fuertes, stakes race veteran Super Sharp, proven handicap campaigner Master Ijhay and the Speedy Project Genesis.

Being a handicap event, Wind Blown is set to carry top weight of 58 kgs., giving away 4kgs. To the next highest rated entry in the field.

This year's running of the "1867 Founder's Cup" has been so renamed as the "Prieto Cup" in honor of the distinguished members of the Prieto family who have long played an important part in the Club's rich and colorful history.

"We deem it only proper that we recognize the vital contribution of the Prieto family in bringing about the Manila Jockey Club to its present stature as a respected institution, not only in the aspect of gaming and entertainment, but more importantly for its socially-relevant charity work and contribution to the economy,"Reyno explained.

A replica of the permanent MJCI "1867 Founder's Cup" will be awarded to the owner of the winning horse.

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Philippine Daily Inquirer
Sunday, May 28, 2001

Wind Blown hardly broke a sweat in tuning up for his next big race as he routed the field in the Prieto Cup yesterday at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

Star jockey Fernando Racquel Jr. guided Wind Blown to a leisurely five-length victory in the 1,900-meter event which serves as the massive colt's warm up run for the coming Gran Copa de Manila.

"Dominado nya ang mga kalaban kasi wala si Silver Story eh ( he dominated the field because Silver Story is not around)." Said Raquel of his mount.

Raquel also referred to Silver Story, this year's hot Triple Crown candidate considered as Wind Blown's chief rival whom he routed in the First Gentleman Cup recently.

Wind Blown, the former pride of sportsman-businessman Sandy Javiewr, bagged P300,000. Winning time was 2:00.5 (17-24-25.5-25.5-28.50).

Super Sharp followed by Master Ijhay, Materiales Fuertes and Project Genesis. Gold Edition was scratched.

The race, originally dubbed the 1867 Founder's Cup, was renamed the Prieto cup honoring the family for their great contribution to the development of the Manila Jockey Club and local horse racing industry.

Last year's stanging was won by Putch Puyat's Charlemagne.

In the day's other featured event, Rudy Mendoza's Gold Eagle got a big lift from Jeffrey Ladiana to top the TAB Philippines Cup and pocket P200,000.

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The Manila Times
Tuesday, May 29, 2001

Current track sensation Wind Blown lived up his lofty pre-race billing as he scored another decisive victory in Sunday's featured running of the "Prieto Cup"- the 24th renewal of the 1867 Founder's Cup Stakes race at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

Hardly working up a sweat in only his fourth start for the year, the celebrated 4-year old colt took early charge of the front barely half way into the 1,900-meter race and steadily widened his lead from his closest pursuers before coasting to victory at least 8- length clear of second placer Super Sharp.

His winning time of 2:00.4 for the 1,900-meter distance matched the standing track and stakes record set by racing great Real Top in winning the 1999 edition of the same race.

Regular rider Fernando M.Racquel Jr. piloted Wind Blown to the easy victory was his third major triumph for the year and was worth P300,000 for proud owner Herminio "Hermie" Esguerra, pushing his total career bankroll well past P6.6 million mark in 15 his victories out of 25 starts.

The champion progeny of current hot sire Hazm out of the Cox's Ridge more Wind in my Hair was bred by Sandy Javier, the colts previous owner.

Winning trainer Raymundo Henson received the champion's replica of the 1867 Founders Cup in awarding of the winning connections attended by members of the Prieto, Sen. Franklin Drilon, MJCI president Alfonso Reyno Jr., GAB chairman Dominador Cepeda Jr., Philracom commissioner Ramon Balatbat and former MJCI president Rodrigo Salud.

Runner-up Super Sharp provided the only decent challenge passing by half mile pole but was simply not in Wind Blown's league in the final reckoning. Longshot Master Ijhay finished a surprise third followed by Materiales Fuertes and Project Genesis to complete the order of finish.

Another entry Gold Edition, was earlier withdrawn from the race.

Wind Blown accounted for a hefty 90 percent share of all the bets wagered in Sunday's featured track encounter.

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Manila Bulletin
Wednesday, June 6, 2001

Topnotch horse racing returns to the San Lazaro hippodrome starting today as the Manila Jockey Club, Inc.(MJCI) unveils its 5-day racing week schedule with an exciting complement of special races culminating in Sunday's much awaited running of the 2001 "Jaime Ongpin Cup"- the second leg of the Philracom "Triple Crown" championship series.

MJCI President Alfonso R.Reyno, Jr. announced that a total of 52 races match-ups are scheduled to be contested over the week at the country's premier racetrack in what should serve as a run through of the upcoming "22nd Gran Copa de Manila Racing Festival" on June 24.

"The management of the Manila Jockey Club would like to reassure our patrons that they could look forward to another exciting week of the horse races at the San Lazaro Hippodrome capped by the highly anticipated championship showdown in the centerpiece Philracom JV Ongpin Cup on Sunday", Reyno said.

More than P 1.6 million in prizes would be at stakes in the middle jewel of the local Triple Crown series, a championship event involving the very best three year old gallopers in the country.

Heading the hunt for the coveted"JV Ongpin Cup" is impressive "Conjuangco Cup"(first leg) winner Silver Story, the most dominant campaigner in this years 3-year old division who would be gunning for a follow-up victory en route to a possible shot at a triple crown championship.

Only seven other horses have so far achieved the elusive Triple Crown grand slam. The last being Real Top, who scored the sweep in1999.

Challenging Silver Story for the second leg of the series are a number of Cojuangco Cup returnees, including Sky Hawk(2nd ), Batangas Entry(3rd ),Hammerhead(4th), Ilocandia Slew(5th ),Staunch Ally (7th )

Silver Rose (8th ),Gutmoore (9th ),and Lord of All (11th )

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The Manila Times
Sunday, June 10, 2001

Outstanding three-year old colt Silver Story attempts to move closer to the elusive racing grand slam as he heads to the post in this afternoon's featured running of the coveted "Jaime V. Ongpin Cup"", the second leg of the Philracom Triple Crown, main event of Manila Jockey Club's action-packed 14 race card at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

More than P1.6 million in prizes is at stake in the middle level of the Triple Crown series, a race traditonally held in honor of the late Finance secretary Jaime V. Ongpin, who was instrumental in approving the first meaningful restructuring of betting of betting taxes in horse racing that led to the industry's explosive growth in the late 80's and early 90's

"The management and staff of the Manila Jockey Club,Inc.(MJCI) join the rest of the industry is paying tribute to the memory of the late secretary Jimmy Ongpin for his invaluable contribution to horse racing in the country. At the same time, we commend the painstaking efforts of our local horse breeders in producing the quality race horses that merit the entry in this annual championship classic," declared MJCI President Alfonso R. Reyno, Jr.

Twelve other first-rate gallopers are to set to match strides with the heavily-favored Silver Story in this afternoon's highlight event, several of which are vanquished challengers in the recent "Cojuangco Cup," the first leg of the local Triple Crown.

Included in the stellar cast of Cojuangco Cup returnees are Sky Hawk(2nd),Batangas Entry93rd),Hammerhead(4th),Ilocandia Slew(5th ),Saunch Aly (7th ),Silver Rose(8th ), Gutmoore(9th ) and Lord of All(11th )

Meanwhile,four other gallopers will be making their Triple Crown debut in the "JV Ongpin Cup", including Deputy Royale, Gifted Guest, Kitty Hawk and Tumataginting to round out the impressive 13-horse field.

The Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom) sponsored race carries a guaranteed added purse of P1 million going to the winner, while the three other placers(2ndto 4th) would also be getting added prizes of P375,000,P208,500 and P83,500 respectively, on top of the regular prizes of the day.

Lending support to the day's featured stakes would be running of 13 other collaborated MJCI Special Races carrying the guaranteed prize of P110,00 to the race winner. The full card feature of special races serves as a dry run for the upcoming"22nd Gran Copa de Manila" Racing Festival, MJCI's annual marquee event which comes off the wraps on June 24.

"Today's impressive complement of races at the San Lazaro Hippodrome, headline by the JV Ongpin Cup, is a preview of bigger and better things to come on June 24, when we roll out red carpet for local racing 's biggest and most eagerly awaited racing festival- the 22nd Gran Copa de Manila,"according to MJCI Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Roberto Reverente.

Post time for today's first race would be at 1 p.m while the featured "JV Ongpin Cup" is scheduled to flag off at 5:10 pm.

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Philippine Daily Inquirer
Monday, June 11, 2001

IT"S one to go for Silver Story.

The classy grey colt routed the field in the JV Ongpin Cup yesterday at the San Lazaro Hippodrome and moved on the thereshold of sweeping the 2001 local Triple Crown series.

Only the Horseman Cup, the last jewel of the annual tests among three year old horses, emains in Silver Story's way of joining the elite list of former champions.

If he wins the July 8 event,Silver Story would become the eight horse to rule the three leg of the United States patterned contest which began in 1978.

"Basta nasa magandang kundisyon malaki ang pag-asang ma-sweep nya (As long as he's in good condititon there's a strong chance that he'll score a sweep)," said star jockey Jonathan Hernandez after skippering the heavy favorite to a sven-length victory yesterday.

Ongpin Cup triump was worth P1 million, boosting Silver Story's earnings past the P 6-million mark.

Sky Hawk mirrored his finish in the first leg and got P375,000, while Ilocandia slew arrive third (P208,500) nipping Hammerhead (P83,500) at the wire.

Silver Story, attracting sales of P1,204,290 out of P1,456,670, covered the 1,900 race in 2:01 flat (17-23-26.5-26-28.5)

The Horseman's Cup, also scheduled at the San Lazaro, will be disputed over the seldom-used, 2045-meter distance.

Fair and Square was the first TC champion, pulling off the feat in 1981. The others are Skywalker (1983), Time Master(1987), Magic showertime (1988), Sun Dancer (1989), Strong Material (1996) and Real Top (1997).

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Philippine Daily Inquirer
Wednesday, June 20, 2001

The Manila Jockey Club, Inc. unwraps the 22nd Gran Copa de Manila Racing Festival with an impression lineup of races starting today at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

Formal launching of the event was held yesterday at the MJCI Turf Room where top officials from the host club, Manila Vice Mayor Danilo Lacuna, GAB Commissioner Ashley Arayata,Jr. officials of the various racing associations and the event's major sponsors attended.

"The staging of the Gran Copa de Manila is indeed an opportunate occasion for us to renew our commitment to provide our provide our patrons and direct players with an ideal venue to showcase the best in local racing," said MJCI executive vice president Alfonso R. Reyno, Jr.

Highlight of the five-day racing festival is the Gran Copa de Manila Day on June 24 during which the running of the two-division serves as the main attractions.

Champion galloper Wind Blown, the former pride of sportsman-bussiness Sandy Javir, heads the elite field set to dispute the P600,000 guarantedd prize in Division I.

Challenging Wind Blown are seasoned stakes campaigners like Gold Edition, Materiales Fuertes, Project Gnesis, Staunch Ally and Super Sharp. Real estate developer Sta. Lucia Realty and Development, Inc. will be the main presenter of Division I.

In Division II, 12 gallopers will contest the P300,000 first prize pot. They are Bull Rider, District Three, Golden Eagle, Gutmoore, Hyperbid, My Preperido, Noble Regent, Place Hero, Sparkling Sky, Power Drive, Sis Boom Bah and Speed Goddess.

Sales for this year's staging is expected to reach P36.23 million. Last year's event grossed a record P35.33 million.

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The Manila Times
Thursday, June 21, 2001

A five day racing extravaganza at the San Lazaro Hippodrome of the Manila Jockey Club started yesterday with top caliber horses lined up for every race and with four Trophy Races (Special Races) assigned each carrying a guaranteed prize for the winning horse and an added prize money distributed to the first four finishers of very special race.

All special races scheduled until the day of the much awaited horse racing event, the Gran Copa de Manila on Sunday, June 24, will have a guaranteed prize of P110,000 the winning horse and added prize money of P30,000 distributed to the first four finishers of every Trophy Race.

On Saturday, Manila Jockey Club has scheduled a prelude to the big day. The SM Prime Cup, a 1,500 meter racing spectacular sponsored by SM Prime Holdings, Inc. guarantees total of P250,000 purse with the champion getting P 150,000, the runner up P56,250, 3rd P 31,250 and 4th P13,500.

Another P250,000 is at stakes in the San Lazaro Hippodrome Cup with the first finishers getting the same prize money.

In conjunction with the Araw ng Maynila celebration, MJC will stage the 22nd edition of the Gran Copa de Manila where top gallopers in Division I will fight it out and challenge local racing's undisputed champion Wind Blown. Division I, billed as the Sta. Lucia Cup, it sponsored by Sta. Lucia Realty and Dev. Corp. Division II, named Philracom Cup, is sponsored by the Philippine Racing Commission.

Last year's, the Gran Copa registered a gross sales of P35.2 million. This year's, it is estimated to reach P 336.3 million.

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Philippine Daily Inquirer
Friday, June 22, 2001

A total of P17.6 million in sales was posted last Wednesday during the Gran Copa de Manila racing festival's opening card.

It was one of the highest grossing opening day cards at the San Lazaro Hippodrome since the introduction of the 5-day racing week format.

The festive celebration continues at the Manila Jockey Club tonight as the racefest goes into high gear with another impressive lineup quality races.

A total of five MJCI Special Races will be on tap for tonight's nine-race schedule, providing fans with a sneak preview of this Sunday'' all-day parade of special stakes race. The winner of each MJCI Special Race is set receive 110,000 plus an P18,000 additional prize from the P30,000- added bonus sponsored by the MJC. Total sales this Sunday is expected to reach P36.023 million.

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The Manila Times
Friday, June 22, 2001

The festive celebration continues at the Manila Jockey Club as the five day Gran Copa de Manila Racing Festival goes into high gear with another avalanche of quality horse racing action headlining today's spectacular Friday night card at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

A total of five MJCI special races will be on tap for tonight' 9-race schedule, providing fans with a sneak preview of this Sunday's all day parade of special and stakes races. The winner of each MJCI special race will receive a guaranteed purse of P110,000 additional prize from the P30,000-added bonus sponsored by the Manila Jockey Club.

"Friday night racing has certainly been one of the club's most consistent crowd drawer and given the quality and competitiveness of the fields competing in tonight's card we can sustain the level of support we have seen during the first two day's of the Gran Copa Week and hopefully end it with a big bang on Sunday," noted MJCI executive vice president and chief operating officer Roberto R. Reverente.

Total gross sales recorded last Wednesday during the Gran Copa Week's opening card reached a promising P 17.6-million, one of the highest ever grossing opening day card in San Lazaro Hippodrome since the introduction of the 5-day racing week format.

"WE would like to believe that the club's decision to come up with a five day parade of special races coinciding with the Gran Copa de Manila celebration would eventually augur well for the whole industry and signal the renewal of the sport's popularity," echoed MJCI director Martin Cepeda.

Following tonight's complement of races, the Gran Copa celebration continues with a 14-race sked on Saturday mannered by two featured stakes races. These double-header events include the "San Lazaro Hippodrome Cup' and the sponsored by "SM Prime Cup" sponsored by SM Prime Holdings Corp., each carrying a guaranteed pot of P250,000.

Finally, the five-day racing festival culminates with a Super Sunday card of 15 trophy races on June 24," Araw ng Maynila", headline by the twinbill Gran Copa de Manila Stakes Races with a combined pot of P90,000 co-presented by Sta. Lucia Realty and Development, Inc.and the Phillipine racing commission.

The 13 other remaining races this Sunday would be known as the "Manilabank Trophy Races" and would also be carrying a winner's guaranteed prize of P110,000 plus an P18,000 winners bonus from the P30,000-added prize sponsored by Manilabank.

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The Manila Times
Sunday, June 24, 2001

It's horse racing at it's best today at the San Lazaro Hippodrome as the 22nd edition of the historic "Gran Copa de Manila" day finally unfolds amidst high expectations of top-quality racing action, fabulous payoffs and record betting handle.

The staging of the "grand old race" which was first conceived as a special attraction more than a century ago, coincides with the 430th annual celebration of "Araw ng Maynila" - the city's foundation day.

Sidelined by the out break of the Spanish American War in 1898, the ill-fated "Gran Copa de Manila" races have been a significant highlight of the "Araw ng Maynila" celebration.

Unlike previous Gran Copa celebration, however, this year's festivities involved no just one featured race day but encompased five consecutive of top notched thoroughbred racing action at the countries premier racing venue.

The five-day"Gran Copa de Manila" Racing Festival reaches it's high point today with the running of the twin-bill "22nd Gran Copa de Manila" Stakes Races. Main sponsors of the two featured races are Sta. Lucia Realty and Development, Inc. for Division I and Philippine Racing Commission for Division II.

Heading the chase for the coveted premier division of 22nd Gran Copa de Manila" is current track sensation Wind Blown, local racings undisputed champion galloper who would be gunning his forth major victory this year. The celebrated four-year-old bay colt is owned by business Herminio Esguerra, trained by Raymundo Henson and will be ridden by regular jockey Fernando Racquel Jr.

The 1,900-meter race will also be known as the "Sta. Lucia Realty Cup" and carries a total guaranteed purse of P600,000. Challenging Wind Blown for top honors are Materiales Fuertes, Gold Edition, Super Sharp and Project Genesis.

Twelve seasoned campaigners arte set to dispute the title for Division II of the ' Gran Copa de Manila" dubbed as the Philracom Cup" and Similarly set over a distance of 1,900 meters.

Unlike Division I, however, no clear favorite has emerged in the P300,000 "Philracom Cup" and is likely to end in exciting down the wire finish.

Among the protagonist, veteran Power Drive carries the best credential, having won the same race four years ago.

Aside from the lucrative prizes, connections of the winning horses in both division will also be receiving trophies, with the divisions will also be receiving trophies, with the Division I winner getting a smaller replica of the original "Gran Copa de Manila".

The 13 other races in the card are all "Manilabank Trophy Races" carrying a guaranteed winner's purse of P110,000 and an P18,000 bonus from the P30,000 added prize sponsored by Manilabank. The owners of all winning horse in the "Manilabank Trophy Races" will each be awarded a trophy.

As a part of the Gran Copa festivities. MJC will also conduct raffle draws in appreciation of the racing public's continued patronage of the club.

Given the enormous support that traditionally attends the annual staging of ther "Gran Copa de Manila" total sales for the day is excepted to reach a new record high of P37.9 million.

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Philippine Daily Inquirer
Monday, June 25, 2001

Hot favorite Wind Blown won the featured race with ease and shared the limelight with longshot Hyperbid in the 22nd Gran Copa de Manila Stake Race yesterday at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

Only a mild threat from Super sharp came in the way of Wind Blown who topped the Division I contest pulling away.

"Walang problema. Sobra sya sa grupo ( No problem. He's too much for the field.)" said Fernando "Dhunoy" Racquel, Jr. after the late afternoon win worth P 360,000.

In winning the race also called the Sta. Realty Cup, Wind Blown mirrored the Founder's Cup- Gran Copa double achieved by Charlemagne last year.

It was the forth major victory this year for Wind Blown, who has now earned P6,7 million.

Super sharp (JM Ladiana) come in second to snare P135,000. Gold Edition (DH Borbe Jr.) was third following by Project Genesis (JT Zarate) and Materiales Fuertes (PR Dilema).

Bred by sportsman-businessman Sandy Javier, Wind Blown (Hazm Wind in My Hair) covered the 1,900-meter contest in 1:59 flat submitting splits of 18-24-24.5-26-26.5. It was just three-fifths of a second off Hazmoore's record.

In Division II Hyperbid charged through a gap a long the rail to beat Palace hero, snapping the winning rampage of the Rudy Mendoza galloper.

With Antonio Alcasid Jr. aboard Hyperbid ran to second to last in the early going but rallied like a house on fire down the stretch to prevail by a length and bag P180,000.

The four-year-old Penrod-Vice-Shy colt scored only his first major triumph in an 8 of 41 record thus far. He clocked 2:02.8, also over 1,900 meter.

Palace Hero (PR Dilema) settled for P67,500 while District Three (Racquel) arrived third for P37,500 First pick Power Drive (ES de Vera ) cheked only fopurth for P15,000.

Yesterday's Gran Copa satging was headed for another record breaking climax as sales going into the 10th race has already breached P33.45 million.

Last year's Marho Breeders'Cup festival netted a record P36.9 million in gross sales.

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Philippine Daily Inquirer
Tuesday, June 26, 2001

Manila Jockey Club Inc. further solidified its standing as the country's premier race club following last Sunday's blockbuster staging of the "22nd Gran Copa de Manila Day," which grossed a record high of P 41.59 million, the highest ever weekly total gross since the introduction of the five-racing format.

"We are truly overwhelmed by the enormous support given by the racing public to this year's Gran Copa festivities, and for that, we share with them the honor of being part of this unprecedented milestone in local horse racing," said MJCI president Alfonso R. Reyno.

Reyno said, "The success of the Gran Copa was a clear expression of their abiding commitment to quality horse racing, which has long been the thrust of the Manila Jockey Club."

Last Sunday's Gran Copa Day sales of P41,590,601 easily eclipsed the previous high record of P36,913,201 set on Nov. 19, 2000, during the Marho Breeders' Cup Day at Sta. Ana Park.

Sharing the limelight in last Sunday's highly successful staging of the "22nd Gran Copa de Manila" were the impressive victories of outstanding galloper Wind Blown and long shot Hyperbid in the two division "Gran Copa de Manila" Stakes Races.

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Philippine Daily Inquirer
Tuesday, July 3, 2001

The Manila Joickey Club, the country's premier race club, unveiled yesterday on of it's biggest racing project for the year with the launching of the inaugural Fil-American Friendship racing Festival starting tomorrow at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

Bolstered by its record streak capped by an all-time single day record gross on the Gran Copa Day, MJC aims to preserve it's momentum with another explosive 5-day parade of stakes and special race culminating in the "Horseman's Cup," the third and final leg of the Philippine Triple Crown series.

As we have long promised our loyal patrons and industry-partners, we would like to underscore that MJC is seriously committed to promote and accelerated growth and development of the local horse racing industry until it has reached it's true potential," said MJCI president, lawyer Alfonso R. Reyno Jr. in yesterday's press conference at the MJC Turf Room.

An impressive parade of seven (7) top money races and a slew of Special Races will be on tap for the duration of the five-day racefest.

"The holding of the 1st Fil-Am Friendship[ racefest is certainly an oppurtune occasion for us to recall the valuable contribution of our American allies in popularizing the sport horse racing at the turn of the century by democratizing horse ownership and by allowing public betting in the sport," Reyno noted.

Headlining the week-long festivities is the running of the Philracom" Horseman's Cup," the final leg of the local Triple Crown championship, which has gained an interesting twist following the recent loss of heavy favorite Silver Story in a regular race last Sunday.

The celebrated gray galloper who is just a win away from achieving the elusive Triple Crown sweep suffered a shocking defeat against the an unheralded rival in a development that has put the outcome of the coveted series finale in total disarray.

Prominent Filipino horseman, Don Antonio O. Floriendo, will be the cup honoree this year in tribute to his valuable contribution to the growth of the sport for more than 50 years.

Lending support to the 16.7 million championship showdown would be the running of the P300,000- guaranteed Philracom Challenge Stakes Race involving some of the major contenders in the recent Philracom Cup Division II of the Gran Copa de Manila.

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People's Journal
Tuesday, July 3, 2001

Manila Jockey Club, Inc. unveiled yesterday one of its biggest racing projects for the year with the launching of the 'Fil-American Friendship Racing Festival' starting tomorrow at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

Bolstered by its recent streak, capped by an all-time single day record gross on Gran Copa Day, MJC aims to preserve its momentum with another five-day festival spiked with stakes and special races culminating in the "Horseman's Cup", the third and final leg of the Philippine Triple Crown series.

"As we have long promised our loyal patrons and industry-partners, we would like to underscore that MJCI is seriously committed to promote the accelerated growth and development of the local horse racing industry until it has reached its true potential," said MJCI President lawyer Alfonso R. Reyno, Jr., in yesterday's press conference at the MJC Turf Room.

An impressive parade of seven top money races and a slew of special races will be ontap for the duration of the racefest.

"The holding of the 1st Fil-Am Friendship racefest is certainly an opportune occassion for us to recall the valuable contribution of our American allies in popularizing the sport of horse racing that at the turn of the century by democratizing horse ownership and by allowing public betting in the sport," Reyno noted.

Headlining the festivities is the running of the Philracom "Horseman's Cup" which has gained an interesting twist following the recent loss of heavy favorite Silver Story to Sonata in a regular race last Sunday.

Prominent Filipino Horseman, Don Antonio O. Florendo, will be the honoree these year in tribute to his valuable contribution to the growth of the sport for more than 50 years.

Lending support to the P1.67 million championship showdown is the running of the P300,000 Philracom Challenge Stakes Race involving some of the major contenders in the recent Philracom Cup-Division Ii of the Gran Copa de Manila.

Top money racing action starts with the running of the "No Fear Gear Cup" sponsored by No Fear Gear Apparel.

Thursday and Friday night cards, meanwhile, will be headlined by the running of the "Consolidated Insurance Cup" and the "Winbank Cup" presented Consolidated Insurance, Inc. and Winbank Corporation.

The stakes races will all carry a guaranteed top purse of P130,000 and P70,000 in added prize money to be distributed proportionately to the top four placers.

Back-to-back stakes race will be featured in MJCI's Saturday card showcased by the running of the "Megaworld Cup" and the "Coca Cola Cup" sponsored by Megaworld Corporation and Coca Cola Philippines, Inc. and will also carry a guaranteed winner's prize of P130,000 plus P120,000 in added prize money to top four placers.

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Philippine Daily Inquirer
Wednesday, July 4, 2001

The Manila Jockey Club Inc. launches today it's much awaited five-day Fil_American Festival at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

The racefest will feature nine explosive races headlined by the P200,000 guaranteed "No Fear Gear Cup."

Setting off track side hostilities earlier tonight at the MJC oval, the racefest will stage the inaugural Fil-Am Racefest which coincides with the annual celebration of the Fil-American Friendship day on the fourth of July.

"We would like to invite the public to join us in celebrating this momentous occasion with an evening of unparalleled racing excitement and quality entertainment at the country's premier racing venue," said MJCI president Alfonso R. Reyno Jr.

The centerpiece event in tonight's event is the "No Fear Gear Cup" race an overnight stakes event sponsored by the popular US apparel company "No Fear Gear".

It will be run over a distance of 1,450-meters

Six evenly matched horses are set to dispute top honors for the first MJCI Fil-American Friendship Stakes race scheduled for the week, carrying a guaranteed winner's prize of P70,000 to be distributed proportionately to the top four finishers.

Set to match strides for the featured race are seasoned campaigners Gold N Dollar, Irish Dollar, Irish Star, Solany Belle, Venus, Glorious Riches and Summit Power to be skippered by jockey Hr Dilema, Vr Dilema, Jb Hernandez, FM Racquel,Jr., JC Guce and JT Zarate, respectively.

Recent winner Gold N Dollar, a 5-year-old born mare, has been sent off as the early morning line favorite for the big race.

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Manila Bulletin
Thursday, July 5, 2001

Exciting thoroughbred racing action continues tonight at the San Lazaro Hipodrome as the Manila Jockey Club, Inc. (MJCI) banners the second day of it's "Fil-Am Friendship Racing Festival" with another superb complement of 9 (nine) action-packed races.

Stirring up interest for today's Thursday night card would be the running of the S&R Price membership club.

"The staging of the first ever S& R Price Membership Cup signals the start of a mutually-beneficial business partnership between the Manila Jockey Club and the S&R Price Group, and heralds their much-awaited entry into the local market," according to MJCI chief, lawyer Alfonso R. Reyno, Jr.

An impressive cast of 10 seasoned campaigners are set to do battle in the 1,425-meter event a race which guarantees the winner a bankroll of no less than P172,000 in prize money.

Headlining the chase of the premier spot is steadily-improving closer Party Princess, a 4-year-old gray fill who is set to be ridden by ace journeyman Dominador Borbe, Jr,. for the journey.

Challenging her for the coveted title is noted stalker Baptism of Fire, as well as, speedball Bemedalled Ruler and big finishing Gallop For Gold, set to be partnered by jockey Joe Noel Camu, Fernando Racquel Jr. and Herminio Dilema, respectively.

The other runners who are alsop in the hunt for the top spot include Forever Royale, Dixie Melody, Pasikatera, Flying Joey, Nevada Rhum and never My Love.

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Manila Bulletin
Friday, July 6, 2001

Track side excitement is expected to further escalate later tonight at the San Lazaro Hippodrome as Manila Jockey Club, Inc. (MJCI) marks the third day running of the "Fil-Am Friendship Racing Festival" with another salvo of thrilling down-the-wire races.

A total of nine races will be showcased in MJC's first-rate Friday night card headlined no less by the running of the P200,000 guaranteed "Consolidated Insurance Cup" sponsored by CICI General Insurance Corporation.

" We would like to welcome entry of the dynamic Consolidated Insurance Group into our growing list of corporate sponsors and at the same time express our gratitude for their support in our inaugural Fil-Am Racefest. Their participation in this event, as well as the sponsors, has no doubt guaranteed the quality and competitiveness of our featured stakes race for this week," declared MJCI President, Alfonso R. Reyno Jr.

Eleven battle scarred gallopers are set to vie for the top spot in the 1,425-meter "Consolidated Insurance Cup", a race which carries a guaranteed purse of P172,000 to the winner.

Expected to put up strong bids for the winning spot are noted speedball Ebony Star and Santa Fe, as well as known stalkers Brenda Star and Win More.

Nonetheless, nobody is discounting the possibility of an upset from any of the other challengers, including Back To Back, Gambatte, Ocean Menary, Snake Dancer, Voltes May and Yoko Lady.

Runners-up in the "Consolidated Insurance Cup" race are also guaranteed to received added prize money of P15,750, P8,750 and P3,500, fr4om second to fourth places, respectively.

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The Manila Times
Saturday, July 7, 2001

Manila Jockey Club, Inc. (MJCI), the country's premier race club, ups the ante in top day's thrilling continuation of the highly-charged Fil-Am Frienship Racing Festival as it stages two exciting stakes races carrying a combined pot of more than half-a-million pesos at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

It's thoroughbred racing at its best this afternoon at the country's leading racing venues as MJCI plays host to the inaugural running of the Megaworld Cup and the Coca-Cola Cup, overnight stakes events sponsored by Megaworld Properties and Holdings Inc. and Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils.,Inc. respectively.

The twinbill stakes offering herald the eventful climax of the five-day racefest, which culminates tomorrow with a spectacular card of stakes and special races haedlined by the running of the Horseman's Cup, the 3rd and final leg of the Philracom Triple Crown series.

"As we mark the penultimate day of our five-day racing carnival we would like to express our sincere appreciation to all of our sponsors from the private sectors for making this event at all possible. Likewise, we also acknowledge that all out support of our loyal patrons for their contionous patronage of our races throughout the whole week," said MJCI president, Atty. Alfonso R. Reyno,Jr.

Six game gallopers are set to clash in the featured runninf of the P250,000-guaranteed Megaworld Cup, a 1,500-meter event that carries guaranteed winner's prize of P202,000.

Sent-off as the early pick for the race is New Zealand bred campaigner Heredera, a five-year-old race mare who is coming off a strong second place finish in the recent SM Prime Cup at the same track. Challenging her for top honors are locally bred campaigners Silver Rose, Sis Boom Bah, Aim and Fire, October Sky and Sharon's Cookie.

Meanwhile, giant killer Sonata, surprise conqueror of Silver Story in a regular race last week at the Santa Ana park, headlines the field competing in the P250,000 Coca-Cola Cup, which is also set over a sprint distance of 1,500 meters.

"In addition to our two featured stakes races, there would also four other would also be four other scheduled MJCI special races, carrying a guaranteed winner's purse of p130,000 and seven evenly-matched group races for the duration of the 13-race card," noted Reyno.

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Philippine Daily Inquirer
Monday, July 9, 2001

But recent loss to Sonata taints colt's feat

Silver Story won the Horseman's Cup to sweep the 2001 Triple Crown series yesterday at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

Weaved through heavy traffic in the early going, Silver Story pulled ahead at the top of the stretch en route

To four-length victory in the 2,045-meter race ran on a muddy track.

The gray galloper thus became only the eight horse to score a three-leg victory in the event.

But the feat wasn't in any way sweet in the eyes of racing fans who were still smarting from the colt's unbelievable loss in a winner's division race at Santa Ana last week.

His setback to sonata tainted an otherwise sterling campaign going into last leg of the series which he won the hard way yesterday.

Jonathan Hernandez goaded him as far as eighth place off the from end and got into a strong contention only at the far turn behind Kitty Hawk and Flaming Bullet.

Running for wide, Silver Story blew ahead at the home turn despite a slight interference against Sky Hawk, a stable mate of Sonata. Sky Hawk's backers were hoping for at least a protest to be filed but they were frustrated.

Silver Story, who negotiated the race in 2:10 flat (25-25-26.5.25-28), pocketed P1 million to up his career earning past P7 million. It was his 17th win in 25 starts so far.

Longshot District three rallied from dead last to place second worth P375,000 while Ilocandia Slew grabbed third spot for P208,500. Sky Hawk, runner-up in both the Cojuangco and Ongpin Cups faded to fourth and settled for P83,500.

Completing the order of finish were Lyonnais, Staunch Ally, Kitty Hawk, Flaming Bullet, Hacker, El Duque and Gutmoore.

The other triple Crown champion were Fair and Square (1981) Skywalker (1983), Time Master(1987), Magic Showtime (1988), Sun Dancer (1989), Strong Material (1996) and Real Top (1998).

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The Manila Times
Tuesday, July 10, 2001

Despite career winnings amounting to more than P7 million, new track sensation Silver Story is not about ready to rest on his laurels.

After his decisive conquest to this year's Triple Crown last Sunday, streaking grey colt is expected to prepare next for the upcoming PHILTOBO Mitra Cup Championship and MARHO Breeders Cup Championship before he matches stride anew with a chief rival Wind Blown for the prestigious Presidential Gold Cup in December.

Silver Story added another cool million to his winnings after completing a rare sweep of Triple Crown series via an awe-inspiring four-length victory in the "Horseman's Cup" that made him not only the eight locally-bred racer to achieve the coveted grand slam.

Reminiscent of his previous romps in the two earlier legs of the series, Silver Story plodded his way in the early going, running wide for the most part before making his move back stretch.

Going full throttle in the final bend, Silver Story cut across the leaders in one fell swoop and dashed to victory in a decisive fashion. Winning jockey Jonathan Hernandez kept his mount in check towards the pay-off line and found no need to use his stick.

The celebrated progeny of Conquistarose (USA) out of Northern Edge (by Far North) covered the 2,045-meter distance in a sharp 2:10.2 with quarter fractions of 26-24.2-26-26-28. Silver Story was bred by horseman Juanito "Johnny" Tionloc, who sold the colt as a yearling.

Silver Story's impressive victory in the "Horseman's Cup" totally erased his humiliating defeat last week in a regular race and raised his stock a new, becoming only the eighth racer to accomplish the elusive Triple Crown sweep since its inception in 1978.

Silver Story thus joins former Triple Crown champions Fair and Square, Skywalker, Time Master, Magic Showtime. Sun Dancer, Strong Material and Real Top in the exclusive pathion of local track greats.

Owner Patrick P. Uy personally receive the championship trophy from no less than the son of the race honoree, Congressman Antonio "Tony Boy" Floirendo, Jr. who represented Don Antonio Floirendo. Also on hand in the awarding of trophies were US Charge d'Affaires Micheal Milonowski, Commissioner Enrique Romualdez of the Philracom and MJCI President, Atty. Alfonso R. Reyno, Jr.

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Manila Bulletin
Wednesday, August 1, 2001

Manila Jockey Club, Inc. (MJCI), the country's premier race club, ushers in the merry month of August with another superb line-up of races starting tonight and simultaneously introduce two new betting events - the Pentafecta and Superfecta - to kick off its 5-day race meet at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

The Pentafecta and Superfecta, derivatives of the popular exotic betting formats- the Trifecta and the Quartet, make a splashing debut in tonight's 9-race card at the Manila Jockey Club, following the games and Amusement Board (GAB)'s approval of the betting rules on the said wagering event.

The Pentafecta basically involved the selection of the top six finishers (in the correct order) in a given race. The minimum investment for each event is only P2.00 for a single bet.

"We are thrilled to finally include the Pentafecta and the Superfecta to our growing variety of exotic wagering events at the MJCI will also be hosting two major stakes events this coming Sunday at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

Heading the list of top money events would be the running of the Philracom "Nevada Star Stakes Race" a P400,000-added stakes exclusive for locally-bred two year-old colts.

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The Manila Times
Friday, August 3, 2001

Consistent with its mandate to promote and direct the accelerated growth and development of the local horse racing industry, the Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom), with the support of the various racing sectors, recently launched an ambitious and lucrative program to encourage the racing of two-year-old horses or so-called "Juveniles".

Dubbed as the 2001 Philracom Juvenile Stakes calendar, the program involves a five month long series of stakes and added money races exclusive for locally bred-two-year-old race horses wioth a total bankroll of more than P4million.

"More than providing a regular venue to showcase the rise of promising gallopers and future track champions, this program is also envisioned to create a robust market for new horses and indirectly give a boost to the local horse breeding industry," explained Philracom chairman Andrew A. Sanchez.

The 2001 Philracom Juvenile Stakes Calendar starts of this coming Sunday at the San Lazaro hippodrome with the running of the P400,000-added Nevada Star Stakes race, a Class I event which serve as the kick-off leg of the Philracom Juvenile colts Championship Series.

Four up-and-coming charges are set to match strides in the featured 900-meter sprint race, named after local racing's undisputed two-year-old champion in 1996-Nevada Star. The celebrated dark bay colt won a total of stakes races as a two-year-old and was the early book favorite for the triple crown before his untimely before his untimely death due to illness in 1997.

Set to take the added P240,00-0 winner's pot are Perfect Storm, Nuts Again, Bidang Bida and Always Florence.

The rich series continues next week at the Santa Ana Park with the staging of the confetti Stakes race, also a P400,000-added Class I event, but is restricted to locally-bred two-year-old fillies.

Among the protagonist for 900-meter juvenile distaff duel are Art of Rose, Blink N Wink, D'Raven, Indy's Quest and Tigra.

A pair of top money Philracom Juvenile Stakes race have also been lined-up next month, the Hombre Stakes race on Sept.9 and the Valentine Party Stakes Race on Sept. 16, before giving way to the staging of the twin-bill Philtobo Mitra Cup Juvenile Championships on Oct. 14 at the San Lazaro Hippodrome and the Marho Breeders Cup Juvenile Colts and Juvenile Fillies Championships on Nov 18 at the Santa Ana Park.

Highlights events of the rich calendar would be the running of the P1-million-added Philracom Strong material Juvenile Championship on Dec.2 and the P300,000-added Marho-Philtobo Juvenile Challenge on Dec.29.

In addition to these top money events, the Philracom has also lined-up a series of weekly special races for two-year-old horses with generous guaranteed prizes for winners and placers, in partnership with the two race clubs.

"We are confident that this Juvenile Stakes Calendar will not only serve as a hotbed of future track stars but would also heighten excitement and add variety to our existing race formats and possibly attract new players and investors to the industry," noted Philracom chief Andrew Sanchez.

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The Manila Times
Saturday, August 4, 2001

In a development that will transform the sport of horse racing in the Philippines the Manila Jockey Club, Inc. (MJCI), the pioneer racing club in the Far East, and multi-system integrator TAB Philippines, Inc., a Filipino technology service company, yesterday formalized contracts that will expand the availability of participation in the industry nationwide.

The initial investment by TAB Philippines in equipment and software is P250 million, with an estimated total investment over life of he contract exceeding P1 billion.

The expansion of the coverage of horse racing nationwide will result in an increase in employment in the industry, additional funds for horse owners that be can used to improve and expand breeding operations and upgrading of industry operations to the level of other horses racing countries.

The agreement will also result in an increase in the availability of information to the public, including an improvement in the quality of the race broadcast and the addition of a broadcast studio dedicated to racing.

The new business partnership was sealed yesterday afternoon by MJCI president Alfonso R. Reyno, Jr. and TAB Philippines, Inc. chief operating officer Tony Young in simple ceremonies at the Turf Room of the Manila Jockey Club.

"This joint venture is consistent with the Manila Jockey Club's vision and commitment to bring the thrill and excitement of horse racing throughout the Philippine archipelago in a bid to popularize the sport, maximizing its vast economic potential," according to MJCI chief Alfonso Reyno.

To achieve the goal of expanding the coverage of horse racing through out the country, TAB Philippines, Inc. has assembled a dominant new force of major technology providers.

Among the major players in the multi-service consortium formed by TAB Philippines are Australian-based world class gaming and wagering consultancy and technology, Jupiters International; internationally renowned race broeadcast and simulcast provider Sky Channel (Australia), nationwide satellite technology provider Bell Telecom;and Winners Circle Production, Inc. the country's exclusive broad company for horse racing.

"The significant factor in enabling the implementation of the TAB Philippines and MJCI's nationwide racing operations was the provision by Bell Telecom of an open digital communications network. This will provide real-time nationwide audio-video and data linkages of horse racing activities," noted TAB Philippines COO Tony Young.

For his part, Bell Telecom chairman and CEO Edgardo Puyat Reyes said, "BellTel" will provide audio-video and data linkages via its Next generation satellite system. This uses space time from the geosynchronous satellite Measat 2, an Earth Station, and very small Aperture Terminal technology to link our partners and deliver horse racing operations to viewers' homes throughout the countryside.

BellTel's network of wireless Point-to-Multipoint system, fiber optic cables, and hybrid coaxial cables will also be used to deliver linkages to greater Metro Manila.

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People's Journal
Sunday, August 19, 2001

Eight of the country's top fillies led by Sky Hawk take center stage today as it dispute the title in the Lakambini Stakes Race" at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

A two-time runner-up to celebrated galloper Silver Story in this year Triple Crown, though bay filly by US bred Piker (Mr. Prospector) out of Carralera (USA), is favored to win the race, sponsored by Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom) set over 1,690 meters.

Posing a big threat to Sky Hawk is Serena, a bay fiily by Perfect Halo(Halo) out of Rich and Ready, which is coming off from three straight win since her third place effort in the Philracom Hopeful Stakes last may 20.

Four other past juvenile stakes winners will also be in the hunt for the rich P450,000-added purse for the winner, including last year's leading two-year-old filly speed Goddess, 3rd leg Juvenile-Fillies Championship winner Ilocandia Slew and MARHO Breeder's Cup Juvenile Fillies champion Gutmoore.

Others in contention include recent maiden winner Perfect Diamond and comebacking Hostile Witness.

"The running of the Lakambini Stakes race is an integral part of annual stakes calendar recognizing the value and contribution of the country's leading female families, the known producers of quality thoroughbred, which over the year's improved the breed and heightened the level of competition in our tracks," noted Philracom chairman Andrew A. Sanchez.

"MJCI is a proud host to the Philracom Lakambini Stakes, one of the country's richest racing events that is to set pay tribute t0 the future breeders of the country. This blue-ribbon spectacle headlines our Sunday card of 14 quality races, which banners seven other MJCI Special Races carrying a guaranteed winner's purse of P120,000 added MJCI President Alfonso R. Reyno, Jr.

The Three other placers (2nd to 4th) in the race are set to receive P168,750,P93,750 and P37,500 respectively, on top of the guaranteed prize of the day.

The Lakambini Stakes Race forms part of the Philracom's twin-bill Distaff Championships which is set to culminate at the end of the year with the running million-peso Sampaguita Championship Stakes on.

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Manila Times
Sunday, September 2, 2001

Local racing's much awaited championship unfolds on Sept. 30 at the San Lazaro Hippodrome as champion gallopers Wind Blown and Silver Story renew their storied track rivalry in the P1.525-million TAB Philippines-Philracom Open Championship, a veritable showcase of the gallopers in the open handicap set.

The championship showdown was made possible through the support of TAB Philippines, Inc., a multi-system technology integrator the recently formalized a multi-million deal for the nationwide expansion of the Manila Jockey Club's betting operation, which has committed to bankroll P1million of the total guaranteed prizes.

The sponsorship coup was sealed recently through the initiative of Philracom Chairman Andrew A. Sanchez and Manila Jockey Club, Inc. president Alfonso R. Reyno, Jr. which signed a sponsorship agreement with TAB Philippines Chief Operating Officer Tony Young and Jupiters international Chairman Peter Mayne.

"We are certainly thrilled that this highly anticipated showdown of the thoroughbred racers in country will finally take place later this month, heralding the start of local racing's championship season," noted Philracom Chairman Andrew Sanchez.

The TAB Philippines-Philracom Open Championship will mark the third meeting of multi-titled Wind Blown and Triple Crown champion Silver Story, a rivalry that has so far been dominated by the former who has most recently won the marquee "Gran Copa de Manila".

The multiple stakes winning progeny of Hazm (Danzig) out of Wind In My Hair (Cox's Ridge) has won five races out of six start of the years and has a total earnings in excess of P6.7 million.

Despite back-to-back defeats to the massive Wind Blown, popular gray galloper Silver Story is raring to finally upstage his top rival coming off an impressive sweep of the coveted Triple Crown series. Unlike in their previous meeting in the PCSO First Gentleman Silver Cup, Silver Story has gained valuable track experience from the grueling Triple Crown campaign.

The versatile campaigner Conquistarose (Conquistador Cielo) out of Northern Edge (Far North) has won five races out of seven starts for the years and has a career earnings of more than P7.3-million.

Although the big race has the markings of a two-horse affair, track pundits are not discounting the possibility of an upset, considering that nine (9) other gallopers have also joined the fray.

Heading the cast of challengers are imports Sun City (USA), the last horse to have beaten Wind Blown in an Imported Group Race last April and Legend of Gaia (JPN). Among the locals, declared to run in the 1,900-meter race are Hazmoore, High Roller, Kiwi Rose, Materiales Fuertes, Proud idol, Sky Hawk and The Fox.

Winner of the open handicap stakes race is set to receive a cool P1million in guaranteed prize money, with the three other placers getting P300,000, P150,000 and P75,000, respectively.

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Philippine Daily Inquirer
Monday, September 17, 2001

Another blockbuster five-day racing festival is in the offing when the Philippine Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Organization stages the Philtobo Futurity Championships-Mitra Cup 2 on Oct.10-14 at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

Four Mitra Cup futurity races will highlight the event staged in honor of the late Mitra, Philtobo's founding chair who passed away last year.

"We are truly proud to once again spearhead the staging of this grand racing affair, a tribute to the vision of Philtobo's founding chair, Speaker Monching Mitra," said Philtobo chair Antonio M. Lagdameo during the event's recent launching at the Manila Jockey Club.

The four big events are the twin bill Mitra Cup Juvenile Colts and Juvenile Fillies Championship, and the companion double-header, the Mitra Cup Three-Year Old Colts and Three-Year Old Fillies Championships featuring gallopers who graced the 1999 and 2000 Philtobo Horse Shows.

Winners of the four Mitra Cup races get replicas of the original Mitra Cup created renowned national artist and famous Filipino sculptor Eduardo Castrillo.

"Manila Jockey Club is certainly honored to host this year's Philtobo-Mitra Cup Championships," said MJCI Executive Vice president and Chief Operating Officer Roberto R. Reverente.

More than 200 horses' graduates of the Philtobo Horse Shows, are qualified to compete in the four-featured races.

Among those present during the launching were GAB Chair Eduardo Villanueva, Eduardo Mitra (representing the Mitra family) and the directors of Philtobo including event chair lawyer Jose Ferdinand Rojas II.

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Philippine Daily Inquirer
Saturday, September 29, 2001

Current track sensation Wind Blown and import standout Sun City (USA) recently completed their final track works at the San Lazaro Hippodrome as they geared up for their showdown in tomorrow's P1.5-Million TAB Philippines Philracom Open Championship race.

Dubbed as real "Challenge to Champions," the 1,900-meter championship will showcase the best of Philippine horseracing in a battle royale that guarantees the winner a whopping P1 million. The top purse is sponsored by multi-service gaining integrator TAB Philippines Inc., lead partner of the Manila Jockey Club in its nationwide off-track betting expansion.

Fresh from three major race victories since his PCSO Silver Cup romp last April, Wind Blown is likely to be prohibitive favorite for the big race. The massive galloper has had four official track works this month, the latest being his 1:47 clocking over a mile last week at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

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Manila Times
Saturday, September 29, 2001

Current track sensation Wind Blown and import standout Sun City (USA) recently completed their final track workouts at the San Lazaro Hippodrome as they geared up for their much-awaited showdown in tomorrow's P1.5- million TAB Philippines-Philracom Open championship race, a classic event among the best gallopers in the open handicap set.

Dubbed as the real "Challenge to Champions," the 1,900-meter championship affair will showcase the best of Philippine horse racing in a battle royale guarantees the winner a whopping P1 million in top purse, sponsored by multi-service gaming integrator Tab Philippines, Inc., lead partner of the Manila Jockey Club in its nationwide off-tracking betting expansion.

Fresh off three major race victories since his PCSO Silver Cup romp last April, celebrated colt Wind Blown is likely to be the prohibitive favorite for the big race. The massive galloper has had four official track workouts this month, the latest being his 1:47 gallop over a mile last week at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

Already the winner of eight major race titles, the multiple stakes winning progeny of current boom sire Hazm (USA) out of Wind in my Hair (USA) has been assessed top weight of 58kgs. For the whole journey and will be ridden by ace jockey Patricio R. Dilema.

US bred charger Sun City is similarly in peak form and has had three major workouts leading to tomorrow's classic encounter. The five-year-old race mare by Fit to Fight (USA) out of Lady Ping (USA) most recently logged in a 1:15 clocking over 1,200 meters at the Sta. Ana Park.

The noted speedball has not run farther than 1,800 meters in her entire career and will be facing her biggest test with a handicap weight of 55.5 kgs. Under the guidance of Wind Blown's original jockey Fernando M. Racquel, Jr., who has gotten the call for the choice, ride.

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Manila Bulletin
Monday, October 1, 2001

Champion galloper Wind Blown put up another dazzling display of track dominance as he blew away the competition with a decisive 5-length victory in yesterday's featured running of the TAB Philippine-Philracom Open Championship at the jam-packed San Lazaro Hippodrome.

The big win all but settled his claim to the title of undisputed track champion and assured his place in the elite roster of local track greats.

"Masyadong dominado and laban at wala talagang katapat, (He simply dominating and absolutely peerless)," noted winning rider Patricio Dilema after his mount's victory was confirmed, the four-year-old colt's 18th in 27 starts.

The victory was also worth a cool P1 million in guaranteed purse for Wind Blown's proud owner, Herminio Esguera, who, minutes after the win, announced that he will be donating the said winner's purse to a future championship race that would involve his prized colt and all of the best actively competing horses in the country today.

Wind Blown's awesome victory raised his total career bankroll well past the 7.7 million mark and was actually his fifth victory in a million peso race, following similar conquests in last year's Horseman's Cup, MARHO Breeder's Cup and the PCSO Presidential Gold Cup, as well as last April's PCSO First Gentleman Silver Cup.

Wind Blown covered the 1,900-meter race in two minutes flat, 1.4 seconds off the track record set by Hazmoore in winning last year's Sampaguita Distaff Championship.

Chief rival Sun City (USA) was only able to give challenge halfway into the race before struggling down the stretch to limp home seventh in the nine-horse field.

Unheralded Kiwi Rose rallied from fourth to finish second while High Roller and Materiales Fuertes checked home third and fourth, respectively.

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Philippine Daily Inquirer
Wednesday, October 10, 2001

The Philippine Thoroughbred Owners and Breeder's Organization holds the 2nd Futurity Championship Racing Festival starting tonight at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

Tonight's 9-race program kicks off Philtobo's five-day racing festival, which culminates this Sunday with the staging of the four-division Mitra Cup Championships.

"Inspired by the huge success of last year's staging, this year's festival has now been expanded into a five-day horse racing extravaganza, "said Philtobo president Bienvenido "Nonoy" Niles Jr.

Highlight of the week-long extravaganza is the Oct 14 Philtobo Mitra Cup Championship Day which will be headlined by four P500,000 stakes races, including the twin-bill Mitra Cup Juvenile Colts and Juvenile Fillies Championship for two-year-olds and the double-header Mitra Cup Three-Year-Old Colts and Three-Year-Old Fillies' Championship

Among the major backers of the big event are the Philippine Racing Commission, Manilabank, Emperador Brandy, Pagcor and the PCSO, among others.

All four Mitra Cup Championships will be disputed over 1,500-meters and carries guaranteed winner's purse of P300,000. The three other placers in each division are set to receive P125,000, P50,000 and P25,000, from the second to fourth, respectively.

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Peoples Journal
Sunday, October 14, 2001

Triple crown champion Silver Story and promising two-year-old Golden Ballet lead the track stars set to see action in today's running of the second Mitra Cup Championships highlight events of the PHILTOBO Futurity Championship Day at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

Unraced since his successful sweep of the local Triple Crown Series from May to July this year, Silver Story seeks to reestablish his dominance of the three-year-old division as he marthes stirdes with five others in the Mitra Cup Three-Year-Old Colts Championship Race over 1,500-meters.

Withdrawn from the recent TAB Philippine-Philracom Open Championship due to a suspected hoof bruise, connections of Silver Story have pressed confidence that their prized charger has fully recovered and is currently in top form as evidenced by his most recent work.

"Although his training schedule was momentarily disrupted four weeks ago, we believe that Silver Story has significantly moved forward since and remains to be the beat in the centerpiece Mitra Cup Race," noted top trainer Ricardo Paman, Jr., conditioner of Silver Story.

Expected to provide the biggest challenge to Silver Story is comebacking speedball Batangas Entry, which is coming off three impressive barrier runs following a three month layoff.

The dark bay colt is best remembered for his fighting third place finish in the Cojuangco Cup after setting a scorching early pace.

Others in contention for the P500,000-guaranteed race including Speed Master, Ragalberto, El Duque and Dixie Dancer.

Meanwhile, another emerging superstar is set to stamp his class in the Juvenile Fillies division of the Mitra Cup. Golden Ballet, the most promising galloper from this year's two-year-old crop, aims to extend her unbeaten record to four races as she battles four other fillies over 5,000-meters.

Already the winner of to stakes races in the three starts,. The prized filly has so far been peerless in her division and is easily adjudged my most handicappers as the early favorite for the next year's Triple Crown Series.

Set to provide opposition to Golden Ballet are Art of Rose, Security Risk, Rosewood and Windlass.

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Philippine Daily Inquirer
Monday, October 15, 2001

Batangas Entry supplied the fitting finale to the Philtobo-Mitra Cup 2 Championships yesterday by capturing the Three -Year-Old Colt race in wire-to-wire style at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

A far, far second choice in the betting, Batangas Entry simply overwhelmed the field with his blinding speed from the gates to win the race which could also prove to be Silver Story's last.

The 2001 Triple Crown champion who lured more than P1 million in sales was never a factor, coming out last and eventually ending at the same spot. He was later given an indefinite suspension for limping in the foreleg after the race.

"I'd like to give credit to my Tatay for preparing Batangas Entry for this race. Ang ganda ng paghahanda nya," said jubilant owner and PBA star Paolo Mendoza of the Sta. Lucia Realty.

"Tatay" to Paolo is of course sportsman-businessman Rudy Mendoza who conditioned Batangas Entry with the able assistance of Nick Atienza.

As instructed, star jockey Pat Dilema sent Batangas Entry in front when the gates opened, with El Duque providing early challenge.

Silver Story had a languid start as he trailed the field while Batangas Entry kept El Duque at bay.

As Batangas Entry started to draw clear from EL Duque at the far turn, Silver Story mounted a rally but he could not gain any further despite heavy punishment from Jonathan Hernandez.

Batangas Entry crossed the wire five lengths clear of EL Duque, prompting club announcer JR Cabansag to holler "Ala eh, it's Batangas Entry" tot he delight of roaring fans.

Speed Master checked in third, while Dixie Dancer arrived fourth.

Also sharing the day's spotlight were Ilocandia Slew of Myther Bunag and Tony Boy Eleazar won the Three-Year-Old Fillies, Golden ballet of Jun Almeda topped the Juvenile Fillies and Mighty Strong of Albert Yam ruled the Juvenile colts.

Winners of the four Mitra Cup 2 championships received P 30,000 each.

"We'd like to thank the fans and all of the second Philtobo-Mitra Cup festival is for all the bayang karerista, said Philtobo president Bienvenido "Nonoy" Niles Jr.

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People's Journal
Wednesday, October 17, 2001

The Philippine Racing Commission will summon the owner, trainer and jockey of sensational horse Silver Story to shed light on the thoroughbred's stunning loss in the Mitra Cup last Sunday at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

Owner Patrick Uy, trainer Ricardo Paman and Jockey Jonathan Hernandez will appear before Philracom Board to explain the horrendous performance of the grey colt who finish fifth and dead last in a field of five in the centerpiece race won handily by far second pick Batangas Entry.

Silver Story who cornered daily double sales of P1, 088, 327 out of the P1, 502, 286 gross literally limped home during the race, prompting the Manila Jockey Club, Inc., chaired by Rafael Delas Cagigas, to declare the horse injure and was subsequently suspended indefinitely.

Earlier to the incident, Silver Story was reported to have suffered a bruised hoof weeks before the running of the TAB Philippines-Philracom Open Championship last Sept. 30.

"In pursuance of the Philracom's mandate to protect the interest of the betting public and top ascertain the circumstances behind the unexpected loss of one of the country's most popular race horses, the Philracom Board deemed it only proper that an investigation into the matter should be immediately conducted," said Philracom chairman Andrew Sanchez.

This will be the second time that Silver Story will be involved in a controversy following the horse's victory in the final leg of the Triple Crown last July to emerge as series champion.

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Philippine Daily Inquirer
Friday, October 19, 2001

"We are out to win that race."

Thus said businessman Patrick Uy as he revealed yesterday what caused Silver Story's surprise loss last Sunday in the Three-Year-Old Colts race of the Philtobo-Mitra Cup 2 festival at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

Uy, belying reports that Silver Story was allowed to run despite being off form, said the grey galloper lost because his left foreleg cracked in the early part of the race.

"Hirap na siyang tumakbo nang masira yung sapatos niya," Uy told the INQUIRER.

"My horse is in very good condition when he ran last Sunday. Sinong may ari ang gustong magpatalo when prestige and glory are at stake in that race?" he added.

Silver Story was gunning for history when he ran last Sunday because had he won, he would have become the first to score a Colts-Three-Year-Old Colts double in that prestigious racefest.

He also said that he welcomes the inquiry ordered by the Philracom but cautioned the racing body to "start the probe with its own people at the race track."

Uy was referring to veterinarians assigned to check and verify that soundness of every horse running in each race.

"My horse got injured because of that incident and that's why they found out after the race when they said that he was limping in the foreleg," he explained." It was very unfortunate."

Uy said he was willing to have his horse scratched from the said race "had the veterinarians found him unfit to run. Pero wala naman silang findings eh."

Due to an earlier business commitment, Uy said he won't be able to attend today's Philracom inquiry but added he'll be represented by his trainer Ricardo Paman Jr.

"We don't have anything to hide. In fact, we were very much disappointed but that's racing. Even great horses lose and Silver Story's defeat proved that he can also be beaten," added Uy.

Paolo Mendoza's Batangas Entry eventually won the Three-Year-Old Colts race last Sunday.

Uy said Silver Story would resume training next week in preparation for the Marho Breeders' Cup in November.

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Manila Bulletin
Friday, October 19, 2001

The owner of champion race horse Silver Story said yesterday he welcomes any inquiry by the Philracom regarding the unexpected defeat of the top Philracom regarding the unexpected defeat of the top favorite in last Sunday's Mitra Cup, a major stakes race, at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

But he appealed that such an inquiry should be done with utmost care and for the investigators not to resort to "trial by publicity".

Businessman-sportsman Patrick Uy, owner of the Triple Crown champion Silver Story, said he felt slighted by the various newspaper reports that insinuated the loss suffered by the horse was intentional.

"I am very much disappointed with those reports which seemed to cast aspersion to our credibility. We are out to win at all cost in that major event since prestige and glory were at stake. We know that Silver Story have done it two years in a row," Uy said.

He added that if there is such an inquiry to be held regarding the matter, "it should start with their own (Philracom) people at the racetrack," he said referring to the veterinarians who were responsible for checking and verifying the soundness of every horse that would run in every race.

Uy said that even his trainer, Jun Paman, one of the top trainers in the land, claimed even before the race that there was nothing wrong with their horse "that's why Silver Story participated in that race."

He further said that they were willing to have his horse scratched even before the race "if the veterinarians found something wrong with Silver Story."

"Pero ni wala naman silang findings and Silver Story was allowed Silver Story was allowed to join the race. Everybody saw that Silver Story was in good condition when he paraded to the starting post.

"We are very mush concerned at one thing. The authorities did not seem to look at the tapes of the race since it would have revealed that Silver Story lost because his front shoe broke during the race. It was very clear that it happened in the early phase of the race.

"Did they (authorities) bother to look at it? He got injured because of that. Any horse who breaks his shoes and still run the whole race would surely injure his leg. Masakit yun and that's what they found out after the race," he said.

Uy said he can't attend today's hearing because of a previous commitment but his trainer will be there to answer all questions.

Regarding the various reports circulating around, Uy added: "We don't have anything to hide. In fact, we are very much disappointed with what happened to our champion horse. But we just took it in stride. Even great horses lose once or twice. Silver Story's loss that Saturday only proved that he can also be beaten at the racetrack."

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Philippine Daily Inquirer
Thursday, November 8, 2001

"Very stiff and one sided."

That's how noted race horse trainer Ricardo Paman Jr. branded the three-month suspension slapped him and champion horse Silver Story by the Philippine Racing Commission.

"The Philracom never gave any credence to my answers during the investigation. The decision was very stiff and one sided," said Paman of the penalty which the racing body imposed the other day.

Paman added he was puzzled why the Philracom gave importance to the testimony of star jockey J.B Hernandez when he, as the trainer, is the one "who knows the real condition of Silver Story."

Paman also reiterated that Silver Story loss in the Three-Year-Old Colts are of the Mitra Cup2 festival was caused by the removal of the horse racing plate in the foreleg and "not the allowed him to run despite not being in shape."

"Silver Story was in top form when we raced him in the Mitra Cup. Di ko itataya ang repustasyon ko at ng mga kabayo ko lalo na sa ganyang ka-prestihiyosong Karera." Paman added.

Meanwhile, Hernandez echoed Paman's sentiments, saying that Silver Story was indeed in excellent shape when he ran in the Three-Year-Old Colt race. Hernandez also said the Philracom might have misinterpreted the statements he made during the inquiry.

"We were really saddened by Silver Story's suspension. I'm sure the racing fans who followed his career would also feel the same." Added Paman.

Silver Story, a son of Conquistarose out of Northern Edge, was last year's undisputed two-year-old champion and Horse of the Year awardee. His biggest accomplishment this year was sweeping the Triple Crown series.

The three-month ban means he would be able to compete in the Marho-Breeders' Cup on Nov. 18, Presidential Gold Cup on Dec. 16 and Philracom Classic on Dec.29.

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People's Journal
Thursday, November 8, 2001

Top horse trainer Jun Paman assailed the recent decision of the Philracom suspending him and Triple Crown champion Silver Story for three months.

"Very stiff and one sided," said Paman of the Philracom verdict slapping the horse and the trainer a three-month ban.

"Masakit man sa kalooban namin ang pagkatalo ni Silver Story sa Mitra Cup, natanggap namin yun. Pero sa suspension na ito hindi lang kami ang nasaktan dito. Pati na siyempre ang bayang karerista," said Paman.

With the suspension, Silver Story will not be able to compete in the Marho Breeders Cup, Presidential Gold Cup and Philracom Classic, three big events scheduled starting next week.

Paman also asked the Philracom why it"never gave any credence to his answers during the investigation on the accident."

"Nagtaka lang ako kung bakit masyadong nabigyan ang kahalagahan yung isang sinabi nung aming hineteng si Jonathan Hernandez ganung ako ang mas nakakaalam ng tunay na kondisyon ng kabayo," he said.

Silver Story, who swept the Triple Crown series this year finished a badly beaten fifth in a field of six in the Mitra Cup last month at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

He related that the Philracom seemed to have set aside the fact that the race after his front hooves nearly got entangled.

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