Bea Bell rules Philracom 2YO with plenty to spare

MANILA, Philippines — Overwhelming favorite Bea Bell (He’s Had Enough-Tocqueville), with Jonathan Hernandez on top, ruled the 2023 Philracom 2YO Maiden Stakes in dominant fashion Sunday at the Metroturf.

Jumping out of the gate ahead of everyone else in the nine-horse field, the new Bell Racing Stable stalwart seemingly knew having everyone else’s number by easing her stride and letting Spolarium run astride.

As the second choice took the lead by a neck for about 400m past the 5/8, the Donnie Sordan-trained galloper stayed easy before deciding to go to work, stretch her legs and blow past Spolarium.

Bea Bell won by almost seven lengths with a time of 1:24.8 (13-22-23’-26) with Bill Jordan taking second, while Spolarium managed to cling on to third place with She’s Royal coming in fourth.

Watching the race was pro volleyball superstar Isabel Beatriz “Bea” de Leon after whom the 2YO champion thoroughbred was named together with Bell Racing’s top honcho, her dad Elmer.

A beaming Bea personally received the champion’s trophy, proud of what her namesake has achieved while his dad received his breeder’s trophy.

“Congratulations to the winning connections of Bea Bell. With the way this horse ran, surely she will be one of the candidates for next year’s Philracom Triple Crown Series,” Philippine Racing Commission Chairman Reli de Leon said.