All systems go for Metro Turf

MANILA, Philippines - It’s all systems go for the holding of the regular races this month at the Metro Turf, the country’s third and Asia’s newest racetrack, in Malvar, Batangas.

This was announced by Metro Turf chairman and president Dr. Norberto Quisumbing Jr., who personally supervised the series of successful dry-runs of the racetrack facilities and its betting operations recently.

“I am happy to announce that Metro Turf had passed with flying colors the entire requirement by the authorities. We can now say that we are ready and very much willing to hold our regular races soon here in our racetrack,” Quisumbing said.

Two races were run under the watchful eyes of the officials of the Philippine Racing Commission, the industry’s regulatory body under the Office of the President.

The two dry-run races were held impressively on Jan. 19 and 21 and the well-manicured racetrack is now being used by the horses that are now based in its 600-stall Saddling Paddock for their regular morning workout.

“I am very much delighted with the racetrack. Our horses like it very much and I can safely say that it is of world-class standard. Yung mga nagsasabi na matigas daw at hindi maganda, ako na mismo ang magsasabi na hindi pa nila kasi nakikita ito ng personal,” said one veteran horsetrainer.

The United Tote betting machines, which boast of the latest digital technology in the gaming industry, were also successfully tested as bets on official races being run at the San Lazaro Leisure & Business Park in Carmona, Cavite were placed right inside the Metro Turf premises during the official dry-run that was monitored, and was later given approval, by the officials of the Games and Amusements Board.

The Clubhouse and the Grandstand were packed with satisfied guests and other racing fans who trooped to the Metro Turf to see for themselves the real development in the area.

“This 45-hectare racing facility right in the heart of Batangas, the so-called Kentucky of the Philippines, has all the amenities needed by all horsemen. We wish that all the three racing clubs, with the support of the Philracom and the GAB, will join hands to invigorate and raise the level of the racing industry in order to serve the highest expectations of our biggest stakeholders – the horseowners, as well their trainers and jockeys, and at the same time earn the goodwill and trust of the racing public. We are coming in as a third racetrack in an arena of healthy and friendly competition,” Dr. Quisumbing said.

He added that “the more creative and novel ideas to improve the image of horseracing as a noble sports, and for more growth, the better for everyone.”