Real Gold handlers see gold in Triple Crown

Real Gold won a whopping P1.8 million for its owners C and H Enterprises after ruling last week’s first leg of the Philippine Racing Commission’s Triple Crown series at the San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite.

But what really excited the owners more than the prize money is the prospect of their three-year-old colt making history of winning all three legs of the series.

“We were very happy with the performance of our horse and we are now looking forward to the next leg,” said Butch Mamon, one of the owners of syndicated horse Real Gold, the others being Alex Mamon, Jing Javier, Joseph Dyhengco and Robert Ramirez.

The second leg of the Triple Crown series will take place on June 23 at Santa Ana Park while the final leg will culminate on July 21 at Metro Manila Turf Club.

The stable of C and H Enterprises has been synonymous to stakes race winning horses such as the legendary Fair and Square, Fair Start, Westbound and Cover Girl.

Jockey John Paul A. Guce masterfully guided Real Gold against seven equally skilled opponents to rule the first leg of the Triple Crown Series sponsored by Philracom.

Strategically trailing on most part of the race, JPA Guce kicked the gear in the final turn, swiftly edging the pack to win the 1,600-meter race in an impressive time of 1:40 on a heavy track.

SC Stockfarm’s JayZ placed second while Alfredo Santos’ Toyforthebigboy ended in third.

Heavy favorite and unbeaten horse Obra Maestra of Leonardo “Sandy” Javier Jr. finished fourth.

A total of P3 million was given to the winners with the winning connections of Real Gold claiming P1.8 million with an additional breeder’s purse of P100,000 to be awarded to its breeder Joseph Dyhengco.

Emmanuel Santos’ longshot horse Shanghai Noon emerged as the winner of the first leg of the Hopeful Stakes Race while horse racing newcomer Paul Aguila’s Serafina captured the first leg of the three-year-old Locally Bred Stakes Race.

Several trophy races were also held during full day of races supported Philtobo, HAPI, Manila Horsepower, Cool Summer Farm, Krah Pipes Manila, Mr. Bing Tecson, Mayor Antonino Calixto, Manila Cockers Club and Alpine Motors Corp.