Pugad Lawin shows stuff in Philracom stakes race

MANILA, Philippines - Track icon Pugad Lawin sees action today in the fifth leg of the Philippine Racing Commission Import/Local Challenge stakes races  at Metro Turf racecourse in Malvar, Batangas.

The 2,000-meter race pits Antonio Tan’s Philippine-bred veteran champion against the likes of stalwart locals Be Humble, Dikoridik Koridak, Macho Machine, and Messi, and Australian imports Bentley, Silver Sword and Strong Champion.

Pugad Lawin has won the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Presidential Gold Cup in 2013 and the PCSO Silver Cup in 2014, among many other honors.

“Our mandated support for racing,” said Philracom chairman Andrew Sanchez, “covers all types of thoroughbreds running in the country, and this race pits some of the best locals against talented imports.”

 The first to fourth legs of this series were won by Strong Champion, Captain Ball, Messi, and Oh Oh Seven, respectively. Considered the last leg of the Challenge is the Ambassador Eduardo M. Cojuangco Jr. Cup on Nov. 8 at Santa Ana Park.

Philracom provided a total of P500,000 in total prizes from first to fourth place for this race, with an additional P15,000 purse for the breeder of the winning or best-placed local-bred horse.