Morales stable No. 1 in earnings for fifth straight year
In another unprecedented feat in local racing history, lawyer Narciso Morales emerged No. 1 in winnings for the fifth straight year as he shared the spotlight with the other prominent players in the industry feted recently by the local horse racing body.
Winning a race practically every single day last year, Morales was awarded the Top Earning Horse Owner of the Year plum by the Philracom during awards rites after finishing as the winningest horseowner again with 270 victories to sustain a triumphant streak that started in 2013.
Based on gross earnings, Morales totaled a whopping P66,438,950 in a memorable year that also saw his stable post another first in local races – win seven races, including five straight, in a 13-race program in mid-2017.
“I am humbled by the recognition given to me by Philracom and I am thankful to my team who prepare my horses and the fans who have faith in our runners,” said Morales.
The bulk of his victories came in the regular races, where his runners competing in the C and D divisions repeatedly triumphed in the first few months of last year to plant the seeds of the runaway overall triumph.
The long-time horseowner didn’t make it to the awards night, but he was represented by son Kennedy Morales who’s also into horse racing with several horses listed under his name.
Morales also acknowledged the time and efforts given by the other horseowners and other players in the industry, saying “they’re all doing their share to make the sport alive despite the hard times.”
“My hats off to the horseowners, jockeys, trainers and the many others who really made the last season a big one,” he said.
Signs of another overall victory in the present season are emerging.
Last month, the Morales stable posted 30 wins, including three in a special racing day at the Santa Ana Park, to take the early lead among owners.
In the simple Philracom rites, the businessman-lawyer shared the limelight with Jojo Velasquez (Horse Breeder of the Year), SC Stockfarm (Stakes Race Horse Owner of the Year), Ruben Tupas (Top Earning Trainer of the Year Award), O’Neal Cortez (Top Earning Jockey of th Year), 9th Mayor Bagatsing Cup (Most Successful Racing Festival), and Metroturf (Racing).