KDJM racefest unfolds today

MANILA, Philippines - The Klub Don Juan de Manila, a horseowners’ group established in 2002, holds its two-day 14th KDJM Racing Festival beginning today with top-notch racing cards on tap at Metroturf Racecourse in Malvar, Batangas.

The organization is named after Don Juan, a racehorse famous during the 1950s for winning 24 out of its 25 races. It was owned by businessman Johnny Ysmael and regularly partnered with star jockey Elias Ordiales.

The inspiration for staging the KDJM Derby event came from the National Grand Derby Races set up by the Philippine Tuberculosis Society to raise funds to fight the scourge of TB after the war.

KDJM president Lamberto Almeda Jr. said that in addition to the four championship races, “This year we are also offering rich trophy races for the entire weekend as an incentive to participants and to provide entertainment to racing fans.”

Entered in the 2,000-meter Don Juan Derby are Miss Brulay, Dikoridik Koridak, Princess Ella, Breaking Bad and Court of Honor. The race has a guaranteed prize of P1.5 million and is sponsored by KDJM and Metroturf.