MANILA, Philippines - Eight chargers, headed by Juggling Act and Tritanic, have been nominated to vie for top honors in the P500,000 Philracom Imported-Local Challenge Series set this Saturday at the MetroTurf in Malvar, Batangas.
Joining Hermie Esguerra’s Juggling Act and RMR Equine’s Tritanic in the 2,000-meter race held in honor of Jockey Elias “Eleng†Ordiales are Container Bridge Phils’ Botbo, Narciso Morales’ Close To Hallie and Nefertiti, Com. Marlon Cunanan’s Crucis, Pierre Niles III’s Little Ms. Hotshot and Joy Raymundo’s Sliotar.
The winner will get P300,000 while the second, third and fourth placers will receive P112,500, P62,500 and P25,000, respectively.
The relatives of the late jockey Elias, who reigned supreme from the 50s up to the early 70s, along with the top officials of the sponsoring Philippine Racing Commission will present the trophies to the connections of the winning horse.
“This race is a fitting tribute to one of the big names in the local racing industry. Jockey Elias is the original “El Maestro†who dominated the races but well-liked by his peers during his time. MetroTurf is happy to host this event that brings back the old times to most of our veteran racing aficionados,†said MetroTurf senior vice president Rudy Prado.
Jockey Elias posted a two-leg victory in the inaugural staging of the local Triple Crown Series in 1974.
He steered Native Gift to victory in the first leg at the former San Lazaro Hippodrome then followed it up with another big win in the second leg at the old Santa Ana Park.