Modern SCLP stages Garnet's stakes race

In a clear endorsement of the newly opened Saddles and Clubs Leisure Park, the Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom) has set the running of the year’s first major horse racing event at the expansive new horse racing complex operated by the Philippine Racing Club, Inc. (PRCI) in Trece Martires, Cavite.

Having successfully launched its inaugural race program on schedule last Tuesday the modern thoroughbred racing facility dubbed the “SCLP” has so far managed to surpass everyone’s expectations with all races proceeding without any hitches or significant incidents.

“We would like to thank all horse owners, trainers and jockeys who have given their vote of confidence to our new racing facility and they can be assured that PRCI would exert every effort to further improve its facilities and services for the benefit of the local racing industry sectors, as well as, the loyal horse racing fans,” said PRCI EVP and COO Ramon Ereñeta Jr.

Set to compete in the Philracom Garnet 1 Stakes, first leg of the 2009 Imported – Local Challenge Race Series, are six classy imports led by multiple stakes winning race mare Fairy Queen.

The six-year-old Aussie-bred campaigner by King Cugat (USA) out of Agapantha (AUS) will try to jumpstart her career with a huge effort after a relatively unremarkable performance as a five-year-old last year.

Expected to also get much support is promising galloper Tiwi Magic, also an Aussie-bred sired by Hemingway (IRE) out of Dream Time (Geiger Counter) which already boasts of two victories from her country of origin before she was bought and shipped to the country last October.

She ran a respectable fourth in her local track debut where she competed against the likes of stakes winners Lim’s Expensive Toy and Don Enrico at the SLLP.

Also competing in the 1,600-meter stakes race are veterans’ Itza lemon and Miss Fantastic, as well as Sta. Ana’s Finest and Trinity Moon.

With a guaranteed top prize of P300,000, expectations are high that all six of the entries will go all out for a victory despite their obvious unfamiliarity with the new track.

In This Corner features Castanares

Boxing fans get to relive the good old days of former RP welterweight champion Dindo Castanares in this week’s episode of In This Corner classics over NBN-4 tonight (7 p.m.–8 p.m.).

Castanares will have Pinminit Sittarun as opponent in the 10-round bout presented by Ginebra San Miguel, San Miguel Beer, Purefoods, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and Biogenic Isopropyl Alcohol.

The match took place Aug. 2001 at a time Castanares was considered one of the brightest prospects in local boxing and a member of the “New Generation of ALA Boys”.