MetroTurf gets top rating, boosts sales

MANILA, Philippines - MetroTurf, the country’s third and most modern racetrack situated in Malvar, Batangas, is fast getting the big support of the major players of the local horseracing industry and racing aficionados as well.

“We are very happy with the attendance at the racetrack of both racing aficionados from Manila and even the simple folks from the Calabarzon area. We are also very thankful for the support that we are also getting from the major players of the industry,” said MetroTurf senior vice president Rudy Prado. “With the increase in participating horses the sales we are generating every racing day here at the MetroTurf have increased.”      

Since its opening in February, the MetroTurf turned over more than P100-million in various taxes – from documentary stamp tax, tax on winnings, and contributions to the fund of Games and Amusements Board (GAB) and the Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom).

From February to middle of this month alone, MetroTurf had remitted P57-million to the government representing the documentary stamp tax.

In its two racing days June 19 and 23, MetroTurf registered P51.67-million.

The resulting P119,792 first-place prize for the winning horses in all the 22 races disputed last week proved to be the biggest prize given for that particular week.

“With the support of the horseowners and the Philracom, we are able to present a good program for the enjoyment of the racing public,” Prado added.

One other factor that keeps the racing fans in coming back is the good weather that prevails within the racetrack, which is very near the foot of Mt. Makiling and three other nearby mountains.

With only four months in operation, MetroTurf had already hosted several major stakes races successfully – the Mandaluyong City Day Racing Festival and the recent first leg of the 2013 Triple Crown Series that was won by Divine Eagle among others.

Several other major stakes races will be held at the MetroTurf within the next five months. The biggest is the P2-million Amb. Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr. Cup, considered the championship for all the best local and imported horses.