MJC gets nod to hold horse races at new Carmona site

The Manila Jockey Club (MJC) gained approval yesterday from the Philippine Racing Commission (PRC) for the conduct of horseracing at the new San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite.

MJC corporate information officer Peter Francis Zagala also told the Philippine Stock Exchange that with their relocation to a bigger site, it has engaged the services of the Pennsylvania-based United Tote for the supply and operation of a totalizator system for MJC’s betting operations.

The new agreement with United Tote caused the termination of the lease purchase agreement MJC entered with TAB Philippines in June 2001 for the supply of a similar totalizator system. MJC gave no reason for the termination of its contract with TAB.

TAB is a Philippine company in joint venture with Jupiters International, an Australian-based gaming and wagering consultancy and technology supplier; Sky Channel, another Australian company which is a well-known race broadcast and simulcast provider; Bell Telecom, a satellite technology provider; and Winners Circle, the exclusive broadcast company for horseracing in the country.

The lease purchase would have involved the establishment of more off-track betting stations and the installation of a new computer totalizator to expand MJC’s reach, initially targetting 50 sites in key cities.

"United Tote has just completed the installation of the totalizator system this morning and thus ensuring the continuous betting operations of MJC," Zagala said.

United Tote is a leading worldwide supplier of online wagering systems, terminals, related services and operating personnel to the pari-mutuel wagering industry, which includes thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racetracks, jai-alai frontons and off-track betting facilities.

Its operations include the design, manufacture, marketing and operation of wagering systems for pari-mutuel wagering facilities.

Last year, MJC relocated from its old 16-hectare site in Sta. Cruz, Manila to a 77-hectare facility in Cavite as it decided to sell a four-hectare portion in the San Lazaro Hippodrome to the SM Group, in preparation for the development of the old site into a commercial complex.