^

Sports

Wind Blown wins Gran Copa in grand fashion

-
Wind Blown took everything in stride yesterday and held off three of his fiercest rivals to win the 23rd Gran Copa de Manila Division 1 stakes race at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

Masterfully ridden by jockey Fernando Raquel, Wind Blown strode to an eight-length victory after pulling away from his rivals – Batangas Entry, Staunch Ally and Silver Story – at the far turn.

It was the second Gran Copa crown for the four-year-old Wind Blown, named Horse of the Year for 2001. The win was worth P600,000 for its owner, businessman-sportsman Hermie Esguerra.

Reigning Founder’s Cup champion Batangas Entry came in second in the grueling 1,900-m race followed by Staunch Ally, who defeated Wind Blown in the Commissioner’s Cup last March, and Silver Story.

Silver Story, who last year became only the eighth horse to win the local version of the Triple Crown, got off to a slow start and fell short in a determined bid to catch up with Wind Blown.

"Maganda naman ang itinakbo namin kaya lang mas-mabuti talaga si
Wind Blown," said Silver Story jockey J.B. Hernandez. Wind Blown won the race in one minute 59 seconds.

In the Grand Copa Division II race, Sky Hawk won a tight battle to the finish against Gutmoore, Ilocandia Slew and High Roller. — Ramon Romualdez

vuukle comment

BATANGAS ENTRY

BLOWN

FERNANDO RAQUEL

GRAN COPA

HERMIE ESGUERRA

HORSE OF THE YEAR

ILOCANDIA SLEW AND HIGH ROLLER

IN THE GRAND COPA DIVISION

MANILA DIVISION

SILVER STORY

WIND BLOWN

  • Latest
  • Trending
Latest
Latest
abtest
Recommended
Are you sure you want to log out?
X
Login

Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!

Get Updated:

Signup for the News Round now

FORGOT PASSWORD?
SIGN IN
or sign in with