WITH a total purse package of P17 million, the 3rd leg of the Prince and Kings Gold Cup set this Sunday, Sept. 14, promises world-class competition, high-stakes drama, and renewed momentum for the Philippine horseracing industry at the Metro Turf.
The spotlight will be on the undefeated Morally (Mo Tow-Street Rally by Hard Spun), the champion in the past two legs of the three-year-old Prince Cup series, ridden by Jockey MA Morales, who is out to close the series on a hot note.
He will face a strong field over the new 1,600-meter distance – Anytime Anywhere, Aussie Bound, Calculus, Candy and Wine, Gain, Rumored, and Tiz the Moon.
The Kings Gold Cup lineup, also to be ran over 1,600-meters, features second leg winner Varatti (Into Mischief-Artemis-Empire Maker) ridden by Jockey JT Zarate; first leg winner Sherbet Fountain (Twirling Candy-Church Camp by Forest Camp), comebacking Andiamo A Firenze (Speightswown -My Every Wish by Langfuhr), Perfect Delight, Counter Attack, Crusading Manila Bay, Dreaming Always, and newcomer Romantic Story.
A total of P7 million will go to the winner of the Prince Gold Cup while the winner of the Kings Gold Cup will also receive P7 million.
A total of P3 million has been allocated to the two Dr. Norberto Quisumbing Jr. Memorial Stakes (Races 1 and 2). Each race in the series carries a guaranteed minimum purse of P400,000.
A boost for the industry and the economy, The Prince and Kings Gold Cup was conceived by MMTCI Chairman and CEO Atty. Narciso O. Morales to rekindle public interest and stimulate growth in the horse racing sector after the prolonged disruption of the global pandemic. The series has played a key role in sustaining jobs across the industry and allied businesses, including feed manufacturers, farm suppliers, and other agricultural suppliers, while also contributing significant tax revenue.
Morales has been actively cultivating innovative international partnerships in Europe, Japan, Korea, and China to showcase Philippine racing abroad and explore export opportunities.
Inspired by global racing hubs, the MMTCI aims to elevate local racing standards and bring more international attention to the country’s racing events patterned after the Las Vegas style of horse racing, where all international races are being merged into a single venue. In partnership with the Philippine Racing Commission, MMTCI will soon pilot claiming races—where horses are put up for bid before a race—to expand market activity, broaden ownership opportunities, and increase overall handle and industry liquidity.
