Racefest pays tribute to Don Antonio Floirendo

MANILA, Philippines - A much-deserved tribute and a championship coronation headline the grand finale of the 2012 Don Juan Derby racefest which finally comes off the wraps today at the San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite.

Don Antonio Floirendo Sr., supporter of the Don Juan Derby races, will be honored posthumously by officers and members of the organizing Klub Don Juan de Manila (KDJM) and the Manila Jockey Club, Inc. (MJCI) for his contribution to local horse racing.

“As Chairman Emeritus of KDJM, Don Antonio has been a pillar of support and inspiration, serving as our principal adviser and ever generous in giving his time and financial support to all of our projects. We will forever be indebted to Don Antonio, a great horseman, an outstanding leader, a true gentleman, and a wonderful friend,” said KDJM president Tonyboy Eleazar.

Doña Nenita Floirendo and the entire Floirendo family have been invited to grace the tribute presentation to Don Antonio before the running of the “Don Juan Golden Girls Stakes” which will be named “Don Antonio Floirendo Memorial Race.”

Expected to share the limelight for the blue ribbon event is the winner of the Resorts World Manila-sponsored Don Juan Derby to be contested by nine outstanding three-year-old gallopers led by early favorite Humble Riches, set to be skippered by jockey Patricio Dilema.

The prized filly owned by Kenneth Causon and trained by Ruben Clor will be gunning for an unprecedented Don Juan Derby day double, having won the Don Juan Juvenile Fillies Stakes last year as a two-year-old.

Set to challenge her for the premier spot are The Guardian (AUS), Pugad Lawin, Isa Pa Isa Pa, Salima (AUS), Purple Ribbon, Steel Creation, Golden Empire and Lord Gee.