Princess Eowyn extended her reign for another year following another smashing win in the Sampaguita Stakes Race at the MetroTurf Racing Complex in Malvar, Batangas on Sunday.
Ridden by star jockey JB Hernandez this time, Princess Eowyn engaged Obra Maestra in a two-horse battle before making a move in the final 300 meters and bursting in the stretch for the many-length win in the 1,800-meter race.
Last year’s Sampaguita Stakes Race champ timed 1:55.6, with quartertimes of 14, 22, 23, 25 and 30 seconds.
“Medyo hindi maganda ang alis ng kabayo ko, kaya ang ginawa ko, sabi ko sa kabila naman, sigurado lalakas naman ang ere namin. So mi-nentain ko lang ang puwesto ko. Sa rekta ko nakuha, noong umigkas pa, sabi ko panalo na ito,” said Hernandez, who a week earlier steered Work Bell to a Juvenile Filles and Colts Stakes Race win.
Owner Edward Vincent Diokno nabbed the P1.2 million prize of Princess Eowyn, a 5-year-old filly sired by Keep Laughing out of Dona Carmela.
Shanghai Grey (owner Melanie Habla, jockey Kevin Abobo) pocketed the second-place purse of P450,000, while Obra Maestra (Leonardo Javier Jr., JB Guce) and Two Timer (Rancho Santa Rosa, JP A Guce) picked up P250,000 and P100,000, respectively as third and fourth placers.
Meanwhile, Viva Morena (jockey Dan Camanero) came from the outside to steal the victory worth P300,000 in the in the 4YO and Above Open Stakes Race.
Gomper Girl (JD Flores) settled for the runner-up purse of P112,500, while third placer Stella Malone (JB Hernandez) received P62,500.
Off Track Betting Stations in areas under a Modified General Community Quarantine were finally allowed to operate subject to health and safety protocols. Online betting, however, is still being encouraged, with bettors at the Metro Turf races utilizing Fastbet as a means to place their bets. Races at the San Lazaro Leisure Park (Manila Jockey Club) and at the Saddle and Clubs (Philippine Racing Club) on the other hand, use online betting platform Telebet.
Safety protocols were still in place at the MetroTurf to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Only the racing clubs’ employees, Philracom personnel, horse-owners, jockeys, trainers and special guests were allowed at the venue, ensuring that only 25 percent of the usual crowd was present. Jockeys wore special face masks and eye gear, while trainers and other horse-racing personnel at the stables had hazmat suits and other protective equipment.
The 2020 racing calendar continues with its weekly stakes races, namely the the 2nd and 3rd legs of the Triple Crown/Hopeful/3YO Locally Bred Stakes Races, the Amb. Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. Memorial Cup, the 3YO Imported/Local Challenge and the Juvenile Championship/Lakambini Stakes Race.
