High-profile races feature imported thoroughbreds

MANILA, Philippines — The Metro Manila Turf Club Inc. (MMTCI) has opened the gates for imported thoroughbreds with the staging of the first legs of the high profile Prince Cup and King’s Gold Cup in Malvar, Batangas on July 20.

Philippine Racing Commission chairman Reli de Leon and MMTCI racing manager Rondy Prado made the announcement during yesterday’s PSA Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

“The Prince Cup and King’s Golf Cup will be a Triple Crown event with the first leg happening on July 20. This is the first time that Philracom and MMTCI are holding such event exclusively for imported horses,” said De Leon, adding that the second leg is set Aug. 17 and the third on Sept. 14 also at the MMTCI.

Prado said a total cash pot of P5.5 million for each leg of both races will be at stake. The first leg will cover 1,200 meters, the second 1,400 meters and the third 1,600 meters. There will be eight to 10 entries in each race.

“After the pandemic, we recorded an influx of imported horses brought in from Australia, Europe, the United States, Japan and the Middle East. These horses cost from P5 million to P7 million each,” said De Leon in the forum presented by San Miguel Corp., PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, Milo, Smart/PLDT, and the country’s 24/7 sports app ArenaPlus.

MMTCI chairman and president Atty. Narciso Morales thanked the Philracom for the crucial support in realizing this milestone.