Philracom overturns Gold Cup result

MANILA, Philippines — After closely looking at “all angles,” the Philippine Racing Commission decided to overturn the result of the P10 million Presidential Gold Cup held last Dec. 11 at the Metro Turf in Batangas.

Philracom chairman Reli de Leon said it was a “unanimous decision” within the board to strip Sky Shot of victory in the richest race ever in local horse racing.

The outcome was questioned by Super Swerte owner Sandy Javier, who accused Boss Emong’s jockey, FM Raquel, of “foul riding” and impeding on Super Swerte’s path in the most crucial stage of the race.

Javier claimed that this allowed Sky Shot to post the victory and claim the P6 million prize for its owners, the same owners of Boss Emong.

“With respect to the disqualification case, the board declares Sky Shot as disqualified,” said the Philracom statement.

Sky Shot was relegated to third place worth P1 million, behind Nuclear Bomb, moving up from second to first worth P6 million, and Super Swerte, from third to second worth P2 million.

The board also suspended the Metro Turf board of stewards for one year and affirmed Raquel’s 156-day suspension.