ONCE more, an entry from the mighty Abalos racing stable dominated a major race, with their filly Gentle Strength handily winning the Philippine Racing Commission 4YO and Older stakes race.
The 1,500-meter contest was held Easter Sunday (Mar. 27) at the Manila Jockey Club’s San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite.
Gentle Strength, ridden by Jonathan B. Hernandez, negotiated the course with ease, finishing three lengths ahead of second-placer Kanlaon with Patricio R. Dilema aboard. Trainer Ruben S. Tupas received the trophies in behalf of horseowner Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur C. Abalos.
Gentle Strength was bred by Abalos from US sire-dam tandem Ultimate Goal and Shadow of the Moon.
Tap Dance 3rd, Manalig Ka 4th. Time: 1:33 (18.2-24.8-24-26).
* * *
Upcoming events: the next Philracom race is the 3YO Fillies and Colts stakes on Apr. 17 at SLLP, with the declaration to be held on Apr. 11.
PCSO will be staging a 3YO maiden open on Apr. 30 at Metroturf; declaration is on Mar. 31.
The New Philippine Jockeys Association is running the 2nd NPJA Jockeys Charity Footrace on Apr. 24 at Santa Ana Park to raise money for the Disabled Jockeys Fund. Sponsor a jockey to run in the footrace for P5,000. Learn more at the group’s Facebook page.
* * *
Last March 9, Philracom approved the curriculum for a two-year training course that provides basic knowledge on horsemanship and horse conditioning through classroom lectures and hands-on training.
The course teaches equine anatomy and conformation, equine health and disease management, equine nutrition, stable management, horse fitness and development, the legal aspects of animal welfare, and rules and regulations of horseracing (licensing and stud book).
Hands-on practice is provided through mandatory apprenticeship, which requires daily involvement—trainers through observation and practice, and jockeys through riding.
Philracom is coordinating with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for official accreditation of the course to allow graduates to work abroad, useful in the light of ASEAN integration. Call 843-0971 or visit philracom.gov.ph.
* * *
Facebook: Gogirl Racing, Twitter: @gogirlracing, Instagram: @jensdecember