Probe ordered on Silver Story’s shock defeat

The Philippine Racing Commission yesterday summoned the owner, trainer and jockey of Triple Crown champion Silver Story for the charger’s unexpected lackluster run in the Philracom Mitra Cup Championship for three-year-old colts at the San Lazaro Hippodrome last Sunday.

The grey galloper, who sold over P1 million and was the outstanding favorite in a lean five-horse field, broke out last and finished in that same spot.

"In pursuance of the Philracom’s mandate to protect the interest of the betting public and to ascertain the circumstances behind the unexpected loss of one of the country’s most popular race horses, the Philracom Board has deemed it only proper that an investigation into the matter should be immediately conducted," said Philracom chair Andrew Sanchez.

Set to be summoned to the Philracom office this Friday are the champion colt’s owner, businessman Patrick Uy, trainer, Ricardo Paman, Jr.. and jockey Jonathan Hernandez.

Based on the official report of the Board of Stewards of the Manila Jockey Club, Inc., chaired by Rafael Delas Cagigas, it was ascertained that Silver Story was found limping on its rear-fore after the race and was subsequently suspended indefinitely by the board of stewards.

Earlier, Silver Story was reported to have suffered a bruised hoof weeks before the running of the TAB Philippines last Sept. 30 at the San Lazaro Hippodrome, forcing the charger’s withdrawal from the P1.5-million classic race that would have pitted him against eventual champion Wind Blown.

Still, Silver Story continued his training for the Mitra Cup not long after and paraded to the starting post last Sunday with a nary a hint of injury.