Malvar: The Metro Manila Turf Club Inc. (MMTCI) is set to host a highly anticipated three-leg series of the Prince Cup and the King's Gold Cup in Malvar, Batangas. This event marks a significant milestone as it will be exclusively for imported thoroughbreds, with the first leg scheduled for July 20.
According to Philippines News Agency, the announcement was made by Philippine Racing Commission (PRC) chairman Reli de Leon and MMTCI racing manager Rondy Prado during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. De Leon emphasized the exclusivity of the event for imported horses, noting that it is the first time such a Triple Crown event is being held by Philracom and MMTCI.
The series will continue with the second leg set for August 17 and the third for September 14. Each leg offers a substantial cash pot of PHP5.5 million, with the first race covering 1,200 meters, the second 1,400 meters, and the third 1,600 meters. Eight to ten thoroughbreds are expected to compete in each race.
De Leon highlighted the resurgence in imported horse entries post-pandemic, with thoroughbreds arriving from Australia, Europe, the United States, Japan, and the Middle East. These horses, costing between PHP5 million to PHP7 million each, incur freight costs of at least PHP1 million per horse. The weekly session where these details were shared was supported by various sponsors, including San Miguel Corporation and ArenaPlus.
MMTCI chairman and president lawyer Narciso Morales expressed gratitude to the Philracom and Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corporation for their support and sponsorship. MMTCI's goal is to elevate the quality of horse racing in the Philippines to international standards, with plans to broadcast these events globally to stimulate economic growth.
The event is expected to attract top imports from renowned bloodlines such as Into Mischief, Tapit, Justify, Candy Ride, Medaglia d'Oro, Twirling Candy, and Frosted, further enhancing the prestige and competitiveness of the races.
