'Karera sa Kalikasan' slated at San Lazaro

MANILA, Philippines - To further generate awareness on the government’s campaign against global warming, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza is putting up an explosive racing calendar this weekend at the San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite.

Dubbed the Atienza Grand Championship: Karera Para Sa Kalikasan II, the event will be held June 20-21 featuring 23 races with prizes amounting to P1.4 million.

“This is a novel but sure-fire way to bring to the public’s consciousness the urgency to enlist everyone’s contribution in addressing global warming. The support we can get from growing number of horserace aficionados is definitely an indispensable help,” said Atienza.

He added that the sport promotes public’s appreciation for a clean environment for the well-being of man and animals.

As many as 800 entries are listed in the two-day race pitting some of today’s top thoroughbreds, headed by Ibarra and unbeaten imported horse Syrinx.

The main event on Sunday offers the top P700,000 prize with P50,000 additional bonus to be given each winner in 11 other races.

A total of 11 races is also on tap on Saturday with P20,000 prize to be awarded to each winner in the event sponsored by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Other fancied horses in the main event include Triple Crown leg winners Don Enrico, who recently upset Ibarra in the First Gentleman Silver Cup, Mr. Victory, Hyroglyphics and Shining Fame while Traditional and Lim Expensive Toys are fancied to crowd Syrinx in the imported race.