Philtobo to fete local racing’s best

Local horse racing’s outstanding performers are set to be feted tonight by their peers, as the Philippine Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Organization (Philtobo) honors the champions of the sportindustry with the annual holding of the “Gintong Lahi Awards” at Gloria Maris Restaurant in San Juan.

“The Gintong Lahi Awards represents our commitment to promote the breeding and racing of top class thoroughbreds in hopes of attracting more investors and patrons to the local thoroughbred industry,” said Philtobo president Emmanuel “Manny” Santos.

Highlight of the event would be the awarding of the coveted Horse of the Year title, which is expected to be contested by three of last year’s track standouts, including Triple Crown champion Sepfourteen, Presidential Gold Cup winner Dewey Boulevard, and undefeated two-year-old linchpin El Debarge.

The other major awards in the Racing or Equine Category include the choice for champion two-year-old colt, champion two-year-old filly, champion three-year-old colt, champion three-year-old filly, champion older horse, champion older mare, champion sprinter, champion imported horse and the newly introduced champion three-year-old imported filly.

Meanwhile, also sharing in the limelight of the awards would be the other industry players belonging to the Human Category, which includes the choice for Jockey of the Year, Trainer of the Year and Owner of the Year.