Wind Blown wins Gran Copa in grand fashion

Wind Blown took everything in stride yesterday and held off three of his fiercest rivals to win the 23rd Gran Copa de Manila Division 1 stakes race at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

Masterfully ridden by jockey Fernando Raquel, Wind Blown strode to an eight-length victory after pulling away from his rivals – Batangas Entry, Staunch Ally and Silver Story – at the far turn.

It was the second Gran Copa crown for the four-year-old Wind Blown, named Horse of the Year for 2001. The win was worth P600,000 for its owner, businessman-sportsman Hermie Esguerra.

Reigning Founder’s Cup champion Batangas Entry came in second in the grueling 1,900-m race followed by Staunch Ally, who defeated Wind Blown in the Commissioner’s Cup last March, and Silver Story.

Silver Story, who last year became only the eighth horse to win the local version of the Triple Crown, got off to a slow start and fell short in a determined bid to catch up with Wind Blown.

"Maganda naman ang itinakbo namin kaya lang mas-mabuti talaga si Wind Blown," said Silver Story jockey J.B. Hernandez. Wind Blown won the race in one minute 59 seconds.

In the Grand Copa Division II race, Sky Hawk won a tight battle to the finish against Gutmoore, Ilocandia Slew and High Roller. — Ramon Romualdez