PRC-Sta. Lucia racefest at Sta. Ana

Sta. Lucia Realty and Development Corp., one of the country’s premier land developers and a consistent supporter of Philippine sports renews its partnership with the local horse racing industry as it join hands with the Philippines Racing Club, Inc. (PRCI) and the Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom) in the staging of the Sta. Lucia Realty Racing festival, a 14-race extravaganza set for today at the Santa Ana Park.

Highlight of the daylong racefest would be the holding of the Philracom-Sta. Lucia Realty Colegiala Stakes Race, a P450,000 event exclusive for foreign-bred or imported thoroughbreds that have already competed in local races.

"We are certainly thrilled to be a part of this exciting horse race among the country’s top imported gallopers and we are more than delighted to be a major participant in this vibrant sport of horse racing," noted Sta. Lucia Realty Chairman and PRCI vice-chair Exequiel "Exy" Robles.

expected to be installed as top favorite for the 1,600-meter race is recent Japan Racing Association (JRA) Cup winner Buena Sera, an Australian-bred filly set to be ridden by the country’s premier journeyman, Patricio "Patti" Dilema.

Buena Sera’s principal challengers for the top spot include consistent performers Triregal (AUS), Jade Louise (AUS), Royal Lantana (AUS) and Sunny Puddles (USA), set to be skippered by jockeys JT Zarate, JB Hernandez, CP Domingo, Jr. and FM Raquel, Jr., respectively.

Others in the hunt for a piece of the action include Entracte (USA), coupled-entries Honour Graduate (USA) and Grannykan (AUS), Bye Bye Baby (AUS), Renowned (AUS) and Dancing Mistress (AUS).

In addition to the top money race co-sponsored by the Philracom, Sta. Lucia realty will also be sponsoring nine other Sta. Lucia Realty Invitational Races and one Sta. Lucia realty Main Race throughout the card, carrying guaranteed gross prizes to the winner of P150,000 thru P180,000 each.

The principal antagonists in the Sta. Lucia Realty Main Race include the still undefeated Rose of Victory (AUS) and track standouts Ariba King, Hyperbid, Hazmoore and be Quiet.

Races are set to start promptly at 1:30 p.m. with a first of a series of special invitational races.