It was my first time to go to a horse racing festival and I must say it was exciting. The annual event was the 2nd Vice-President Jejomar Binay Racing held at the Manila Jockey Club at San Lazaro Liesure Park in Carmona Cavite, December 29, 2012.
A major event just before the new year ends, and it was truly a memorable experience for me to cap off the year.
From left : Alay sa Kawal (ASK) Chairman Emeritus Atty. Ramon A. Pedrosa, ASK Corporate Treasurer Cesar N. Sarino, ASK President Atty. Alfonso R. Reyno Jr. They were at the lobby to welcome Vice President Binay [ Manila Jockey Club San Lazaro Liesure Park Carmona Cavite ]
Vice President of the Phlippines Jejomar C. Binay
Manila Jockey Club President Atty Alfonso G. Reyno III addressing the guests
Manila Jockey Club President Atty Alfonso G. Reyno addressed the guest and best summed up the spirit of this event.
“Whether it is keeping the peace or defending the nation during wartime, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have remained a bulwark of Asia’s first democratic republic. The men and women of our armed forces heroically risk life and limb to protect the lives of every Filipino. The perform duties with honor, and frequently, for little recognition other than the profound knowledge that because of their sacrifice, our republic endures, and Philippines democracy continues to flourish. The Alay sa Kawal (ASK) Foundation was founded to uphold the rights and welfare of our soldiers and their families. Established in 1986 ASK has created and been an active participant in programs that support the families of soldiers who were killed in action, or those seriously wounded in combat. Manila Jockey Club (MJC) is a proud partner of this supremely righteous cause.” ~ Atty Alfonso G. Reyno
Manila Jockey Club Marketing Director Eduardo Ramirez de Arellano at the Manila Jockey Club betting station
After the program I was toured by Manila Jockey Club Marketing Director Eduardo Ramirez de Arellano at the grounds, first stop is the betting station. Before betting, information is everything. Horse racing analysts are everywhere. They are friendly to share their predictions. Its a play of statistics, science, experience, intuition, and luck! Even if all odds are against one, you’ll never know the outcome of each race. More blog articles to come on how to place bets.
Parade of Horses
Before Each race, every Race horse and Jockey go through the parade grounds near the view deck. This gives the crowd a close view of the horses they are betting on, or have yet to bet on. Even if information is everything, its great to see these fine horses up close.
San Lazaro Liesure Park View Deck
As excitement brews in the viewdeck. The horses get ready for their race. There are multiple horse races in an event and you can wager on each one of them, or like me, just enjoy the excitement you can feel on the stands.
And there they go!
As the siren goes off, the host or barker starts with his signature phrase “And there they go! ..at the outside line …. ” the excitement is something else. This is no video game, and watching it upclose where you literally here the horses hooves rumble the ground is as real as it gets.
About to cross the finish line!
A majestic shot on the beauty of Manila Jockey Club at San Lazaro Liesure Park. This is a shot of one of the many races in the Alay sa Kawal races. One of the most exciting portions is the race to the finish line ofcourse. The race isnt over till the finishline. You can see horses overtaking each other. Truly exciting. Taken here, is one horse a millisecond away from the lead by the finishline. One race lasts only 1 to 2 minutes. But that is one action packed 2 minutes.
Mayor Benhur Abalos Winning the top Horse Breeder award
Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos winning the Top Horse Breeder award for his horse Hagdang Bato. “Hagdang Bato is a locally bred horse. I bred him myself. It’s not easy being a breeder, because it takes so long for you to see the result of your research and study. A mare is pregnant for 11 months before it gives birth, then it’s at least two-and-a-half years before the horse is ready to race.” as quoted from Mayor Abalos from Butch Maniego article at Spin.ph on the newest track hero.
Author Running Host Boy Ramos with top Horse Racing Jockey JB Hernandez
Im seen here, with Top Horse Racing Jockey JB Hernandez. If youre in the horse racing scene, this guy is a rockstar. Good thing I was able to catch a short photo and shared a few words with him. He won the top prize in the event. Its no rocket science, so next time I know who to bet on! Thats why no one really blogs about horse racing.. if everyone knows who’s winning .. where is the excitement in that that. Kidding aside, with a few pounds to lose, I think I could take on riding a horse. Maybe ill try it first at Wright park in Baguio!
Till my next visit to San Lazaro Liesure park. There is so much to see there and to do there other than Horse racing at Manila Jockey Club… did you know that a Playboy Rock the Rabbit concert was held there? Im so blogging on that soon
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