Treasure Hunting’s connections proud with their trophies after winning the Amb. Eduardo M. Cojuangco Jr. Cup. In photo from left are Philracom Exec. Director Ronald Corpuz, trainer Jed Christopher Francisco, PCSO Gaming Technology Head Roger Ramirez, horseowner Dennis Tan, MARHO Chairman Leonardo “Sandy” Javier Jr., jockey John Alvin Guce and Philracom Chairman Reli de Leon.
Treasure Hunting bags Cojuangco Memorial Cup
THIRD favorite Treasure Hunting stole the show in bagging the 2023 Philracom Ambassador Eduardo M. Cojuangco, Jr. Memorial Cup in honor of the first Philracom Chairman at the Metro Manila Turf Club in Malvar, Batangas.
The Into Mischief out of Spanish Gold progeny went toe-to-toe with Civics Class at the onset but jockey John Alvin Guce eased up on his mount since the race was a lung-busting 2000m.
When Treasure Hunting backed off, it was In The Zone’s turn to challenge Civics Class for the lead, thinking that the eventual winner was out of it. But the pace of the race told a different story as they hit the last 600m when the two pacers bore out a bit giving Guce and Treasure Hunting just enough space to squeeze thru the rail and snatch the lead.
From there it was clear in the mind of Guce that he had the win in the bag.
“Nung nakalusot ako sa balya, alam ko na meron pa yung sakay ko pagdating sa rekta,” Guce said.
Time of the race was 2:05.4 with splits of 25-24′-25′-24′-26′.
Having enough energy to cross the wire second was In The Zone, followed by Righteous Ruby in third with last year’s Cojuangco Cup winner Shastaloo finishing fourth.
It was the second year in a row for owner Dennis Tan in the Cojuangco cup and he had this to say, The victory is a gift from above, nabigyan tayo ng blessing. Some of the prize money will be shared with the vent-babies that my companies and I support.”
“Congratulations to the winning connections of this prestigious race,” Philracom Chair Reli de Leon said.
He also congratulated the Metropolitan Association of Race Horse Owners for a successful racing festival en route to a record-setting sales for one weekend.
