MANILA, Philippines – Tiwi Magic ruled the sixth Juanito Macaraig Cup on Sunday, banking on a steely stretch run to win by two lengths at the New Santa Ana Park in Naic, Cavite.
Jessie Guce steered Tiwi Magic to victory in the race sponsored by businessman-sportsman William Dagan in honor of both the late jockey, who served for a total of more than 50 years, and the workers of the local racing industry.
Macaraig is the sole recipient of the gentleman jockey award, and his devotion and loyalty to the industry that started in 1952 to 1986 as a rider and from 1990 to 2007 until his death at age 81 as a trainer, made him the choice as race honoree.
“This race is for Ka Juaning and the tireless members of the industry,” said Dagan, who committed through kids Erilyn, Mark and Kelly to staging of the Annual Classic in the years to come.
Three more PRCI-Philracom trophy races that supported the main race were won by Kudos, longshot Desert Breeze and D Vinci.