MANILA, Philippines — For nearly two decades, horse owner/breeder Benhur Abalos Jr. has become a beacon of success to a vibrant Philippine racing industry by consistently developing a parade of champion horses in the sport of kings.
And it came as no surprise when the former DILG Secretary was recognized as the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Horse Owner of the Year.
Abalos has produced four Presidential Gold Cup winners from his stable, the most recent of which was Batang Manda last December leading to PSA Horse of the Year citation.
But more than bringing excitement with his champion thoroughbreds, Abalos was also instrumental in putting the entire industry back to its feet during the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Horse owners with the heart and concern for the entire industry worked together.
“We all know that we have to unite our efforts at gumawa ng paraan dahil marami sa mga kasamahan natin sa industriya ang nawalan ng hanapbuhay noong pandemic. Apektado pati ang kanilang mga pamilya,’’ said Abalos.
The country’s horse racing scene has since plowed on, with Heneral Kalentong, a gallant steed from the Abalos stable, symbolizing the versatility of the industry amid the pandemic.
Heneral Kalentong, the 2020 Triple Crown champion at the height of COVID crisis, was forever enshrined as the central figure in the new Philracom logo with jockey JB Guce wearing a mask.
The Heneral Kalentong Philracom logo was launched during the 2023 Philracom Expo at the Sta. Lucia Grand Mall in Cainta, Rizal.
Abalos first won the prestigious PGC in 2008 with jockey Kelvin Abobo followed by Hagdang Bato twice in 2012 and 2014 guided by jockey Jonathan Basco Hernandez before Batang Manda accomplished the feat again last year.
“Masuwerte ako dahil nabiyayaan ako ng magagaling na kabayo,” said Abalos.