Philracom bares racing calendar for 2016

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Racing Commission recently issued its action-packed racing calendar for 2016 featuring more sponsored major races than in previous years.

Philracom kicks off the year with the Commissioner’s Cup on Jan. 17 at Metroturf Racecourse. The 1,800-meter race is open to horses 4YO and older and offers a hefty total purse of P1.2 million. Nomination is on Dec. 29.

A new “4YO and older” stakes race is set for Jan. 31 at Santa Ana Park. This is an innovation of the present Commission under Chairman Andrew A. Sanchez.

“We anticipate that this new type of major race will attract more bettors because they provide opportunities for local horses to shine,” Sanchez  said. “Along this line, there will also be 3YO locally-bred stakes races.”

February will be marked by a Valentine’s Day event at San Lazaro Leisure Park – the first leg of the Import-Local Challenge for 4YO and older.

The Summer Racing Festival across all racetracks starts on Mar. 26, and the much-anticipated first leg of the Triple Crown for elite local 3YO is set for May 15 at Santa Ana Park.

The 2016 racing year will be capped by the Philracom Chairman’s Cup and 3YO Imported Fillies Championship on Dec. 11.

There are 38 stakes races for 2016, including two to be held during the Mayor Ramon D. Bagatsing Memorial racing festival in August. Not included are the Philracom-sponsored stakes races for horseowners’ organizations MARHO, Philtobo, and Klub Don Juan de Manila, as well as charity races that may be held for worthy beneficiaries.