Jockey ‘JB’, four horse owners cited

MANILA, Philippines - For their “significant roles in the horse racing industry” last year, four prominent horse owners and a great jockey were cited and commended by the Philippine Racing Commission during its first board meeting a few days ago.

Lawyer Narciso Morales made it to the honor list as the Most Reputable Horseowner, an award bestowed on him for his drive against the ills plaguing the sport and his passion to play the game fair and square.

“Our drive to fight illegal bookies didn’t go unnoticed. I thank the board (Philracom) for the honor,” said Morales, a successful bus transportation businessman whose stable includes horses named Kukurukuku Paloma, Honeywheresmypants, and Gentle Irony.

The unanimous pick as Best Breeder and Owner was no less than Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos Jr. owner of the great Hagdang Bato, local racing’s most victorious runner with almost P30 million in winnings.

The others cited by the board headed by chairman Angel Castaño Jr were Joseph Dyhengco and SC Stockfarms, Inc. as Most Promising Breeders, Jonathan Hernandez as Best Jockey, Ruben Tupas as Best Trainer, the sixth Mayor Ramon Bagatsing racefest as the Most Successful Racing Festival and Manila Horsepower Inc. as the Most Supportive Private Organization.

In its resolution, the board said “their respective roles serve an inspiration, attraction, enthusiasm, interest, thrill and excitement to the racing public”.

It said “the criteria for the selection are the official records of their performances, sales, winnings, ability, public perception and reputation”.

 Morales is a popular, well-loved owner whose horses are described by Bayang Karerista as “always out to win” .He is also one of the horseowners who take the lead in the fight against the many ills that’s stunting the growth of the sport in the country.

“This is an industry that we should save. Its big contribution to the government coffers and the livelihood and employment it gives is something that we should cherish,” he said.

Morales is also a consistent high finisher in winnings. As of November,  he’s running a fighting third to Patrick Uy and Putch Puyat with 66 first, 82 second, 77 third and 66 fourth place finishes.

The four commissioners  in the board are Jesus Cantos, Lyndon  Guce, Eduardo Jose and Victor Tantoco.