Last Sunday’s Marho Pearl Celebration Day at Padre Garcia, marked a milestone of three decades of excellence in Philippine thoroughbred breeding and racing, for the Metropolitan Association of Race Horse Owners. There was standing room only, as the many guests eager to get a look at the new world class racetrack, packed out the members lounge on level two of the grandstand, for what was a fabulous afternoon and evening of racing.
The ever bubbly and energetic Marho Secretary Ancy Palma, who has a wonderful way of making everyone feel special, played host to the Marho members, directors and distinguished guests, that included Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo, and Luisa Rust, the Australian Governments Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner. Another special guest was William “Bill” Pearce, a very prominent Australian owner-breeder who has raced in partnership many outstanding racehorses, such as the 2020 Cox Plate winner Sir Dragonet, and 2019 VRC Derby winner Warning.
“It was a fantastic afternoon and so very special because it was the first time at the new PJC racing complex,” Ancy said.
“What made it even extra special was when Santiago Cojuangco Cruz arrived; seeing the grandson of Marho’s founder “Danding” Cojuangco at our 30th Breeders Championships, felt like a living connection to our organization’s rich history.”
A rich history indeed. Who would have thought that a shortage of quality oats for the flourishing Philippine racing industry in the 1970’s, would lead to the founding of Marho by “Danding” Cojuangco and fifteen other distinguished owners and breeders. The establishment of the Philippine Racing Commission in March 1974 followed, with ‘Danding” Cojuangco, a Giant in Philippine horse racing becoming the first chairman.
In later years many other important initiatives followed, such as the annual championship awards for horses, jockeys, trainers, owners and breeders. In 1996 under the leadership of Aristeo “Putch” Puyat, Marho launched the Breeders Championship Program. This initiative developed in collaboration with Leonardo “Sandy” Javier Jr, has now developed into a much-celebrated annual tradition.
Fast forward to thirty years later, and the passion is stronger than ever, as a new chapter in Philippine racing history is being written, with the opening of the new world class racing complex by the Philippine Jockey Club.
Bill Pearce whose wife is a Filipino citizen, has traveled the world attending some of horse racing’s elite carnivals, and was full of praise for the new racing circuit in what was his second visit to Padre Garcia, and had this say to Host Lucky Lea Forbes.
“I was here back in July, and I’ve got say I am truly amazed at what I am seeing here today. This is a world class racetrack, and I am watching horses winning off the lead and coming from well back in the run. It’s a track that gives a horse every chance.
“Looking to the future I can see great potential here, you have a great infrastructure in place and with prize money levels set to rise, your PJC Directors have so much to look forward too.”
On Sunday Ancy Palma also paid tribute to her Marho team Jhune, Erick, and Manong Onofre who worked tirelessly alongside her ensuring the festivities ran smoothly.
“It’s been a great team effort and I have to thank, Jhune and Erick and Manong Onofre for their dedication and hard work. Also, our thanks to Cunanan Catering for adding another layer of excellence to the day with their ever-delicious fine cuisines.
“Also, we couldn’t have done this without the exceptional support we received from Moises and Karlo from the PJC. Every detail was perfect at their beautiful new facility.
“But the true magic began when the gates opened on the beautiful track, and then the buzz of the crowd as they cheered the horses home. The Marho Racing Festival wasn’t just an event; it was testament to decades of dedication to Philippine racing and excellence. I was honored to be part of making it happen.”
How fitting was it that Leyte Vice-Governor Leonardo “Sandy” Javier, a former Chairman of Marho and a major sponsor of the weekend's racing, was in the winner’s circle with Cool Mom in the 3YO and Above Maiden over 1400 meters on Saturday. In fact, it was the Javier stable with the first two across the line, with Cool Mom (Zap USA) prevailing via a clever rails hugging ride from apprentice R C Simacio, taking the prize from One Of A Kind (Polonius USA) ridden by K E Malapira, with Peerless (Shining Fame Phi) back in third spot. The win by Cool Mom followed the victory by Seychelles (Elysium Fields USA) for the stable on the inaugural raceday in the Class 5 over 1200 meters, ridden by jockey C L Advincula; all for trainer Edgardo Lumpay.
Two other well deserved winners worthy of mention on Friday night, were the 3yo filly Brown Missile (Smart Missile Aus), in the Class 4 over 1200 meters for PJC Club President Raymund Puyat, jockey Christopher Garganta and trainer Donny Sordan. Raymund Puyat is a lifelong passionate owner- breeder, and is part of the driving force behind the creation of the Padre Garcia track.
As well, as Jewel of The Nile (Oh Oh Seven Phi), scored a brilliant win coming from well back in the run in the Class 5 over 1200 meters, for PJC Director Allan Keith Castro, jockey Mark Alvarez and trainer Wally Manalo. It would be hard to find a more enthusiastic owner-breeder than the livewire Castro, who is doing a marvelous job in his PR work with Bayang Karerista for the PJC.