New racetrack to open in Batangas

MANILA, Philippines - Metro Turf, the country’s third and Asia’s newest world-class racing facility, hosts its first week-long races next month with a series of blockbuster programs in Malvar and Tanauan, Batangas.

The Metro Turf (Metro Manila Turf Club Inc.) is a 45-hectare first-class development boasting of the latest racing facilities. Its addition to the existing two racetracks will certainly boost the local horseracing industry and is expected to attract more local and foreign enthusiasts in the future.

The racetrack, with the Mt. Makiling serving as its backdrop, is 1,525-meter long and has four chutes that conform to the international standards. Its construction was headed by the internationally renowned Singaporean racetrack consultant and builder K. K. Kumar, who personally supervised the whole operation.

“This new racing facility can be compared to the best in the world today. This is also one of the best that I created so far and I am very thankful to the owner for his all-out support throughout the entire construction of the racetrack,” said Kumar, who will supervise the preparation for the start of full-time racing next month.

The new racetrack is a brainchild of Dr. Norberto Quisumbing Jr., a horseowner and breeder, in his effort to further uplift the local horseracing industry.

“Our rich history in horseracing and our great racing facilities today are the main reasons why we are nearing the level of some great racing countries here in Asia. It’s about time that we should aspire in catching up with our Asian racing neighbors such as Japan, Hongkong, and Singapore,” said Dr. Quisumbing.

He added that his single biggest mission in constructing this newest racetrack is “to adopt the best racing policies, practices and systems in order to earn the goodwill, confidence and trust of the local and foreign racing community and the public.”

A total of 46 lighting posts – 39 around the oval and seven attached to the Grandstand – that are equipped with the latest General Electric technology are scattered around the racetrack for outstanding illumination during night races. The whole racetrack is already flooded with lights in just five minutes after they are turned on.

Beside the well-manicured racetrack are the newly constructed Clubhouse and the Grandstand.

A private viewing stand solely for the use of invited guests and dignitaries is right beside the Official’s Booth while the Grandstand is open to the public. It also has 24 cubicles for horseowners, trainers and guests and also for the private use of paying visitors who want to enjoy the fresh, clean air from the mountains and a clear view of the racetrack below.

The Grandstand is equipped with a number of latest-technology betting machines that are being serviced by the United Tote, the leading gaming totalizator in the world today, together with wide-screen LED televisions for the viewing pleasure of the racing fans.

“One major feature of the racetrack is the slanted banking in every corner with no sharp curve at all so we can protect the horses. We have more than 200 horses now in training every morning here while many more are arriving to acclimatize in preparation for the start of racing here next month,” according to Metro Turf racing manager Rudy Prado, a respected chief of racing in the country for many years now.

Prado added that the Saddling Paddock is complete with other racing facilities such as the Jockeys’ Quarter, Clinic, and the Conference Room.

“Many horsemen have expressed their approval of our stables here. More than 600 stalls have already been completed and many have already been occupied. There are several other phases of construction for the stabling area while other vacant lots in the perimeter have already been purchased by big owners who are already set to construct their own stables,” Prado added.

The Metro Turf can be accessed through the main entrance at the Pres. J. P. Laurel Highway in Malvar. From Manila, one can go straight after exiting the South Luzon Expressway and enter the 5-km new highway leading to the STAR Tollway. From there, one can exit through the Bulihan Toll and turn left to Montecer street before turning left once again to Pres. J. P. Laurel Highway.