2025 PHILRACOM COMMISSIONER’S CUP DIVISION
A Battle of Speed and Stamina
MANILA – The stage is set for another thrilling showdown as the Philippine Racing Commission (PHILRACOM) presents the highly anticipated 2025 PHILRACOM “Commissioner’s Cup” on 16 February 2025, at the Metro Manila Turf Club, Inc. (MMTCI). The prestigious race will cover a distance of 1600 meters, with elite contenders vying for a share of the guaranteed PHP1,500,000.00 gross prize and an additional PHP150,000.00 Breeder’s Purse.
This year’s edition of the Commissioner’s Cup boasts a stellar lineup of top-caliber thoroughbreds, each eager to claim victory and racing glory. Headlining the field is the 2024 PCSO-PHILRACOM Presidential Gold Cup, Batang Manda (Ultimate Goal – Posse left), owned by Benjamin C. Abalos; Jr. The other challengers are Basheirrou (Brigand – Allumeuse), owned by Rancho Santa Rosa Inc., Other significant contenders include Don Julio (Adios Reality – Guatamela), owned by Felizardo R. Sevilla, Jr.; Easy Does It (Eagle Scout – Gabba Girl), owned by 3VM Builders Inc.; Jungkook (Low Profile – Liquid Oxygen), owned by Tisha Sevilla; Sonic Clay (Low Profile, Isabel), owned by Aldrich C. Tan, and to complete the list; Worshipful Master (Low Profile – Pinay Pharaoh), owned by James Anthony Rabano.
PHILRACOM Chairman Reli De Leon said, “We are holding the Commissioner’s Cup in honor of Tony de Ubago to recognize his numerous contributions to the report.”
De Ubago, a former Metropolitan Association of Race Horse Owners president, found his greatest joy in the noble spirit of horses. A devoted horse lover whose passion and commitment to the growth of the Sport of Kings affected many of those involved in the sport.
COMMISSIONER’S CUP – DIVISION II
The Commissioner’s Cup Division II promises another thrilling race over the same 1,600-meter distance, with a PHP 750,000.00 guaranteed gross prize and a PHP 75,000.00 Breeder’s Purse. Among the notable competitors is Istulen Ola (Brigand – Close Haul), owned by Melaine C. Habla, who secured victory in the 2024 PHILRACOM Commissioner Dante M. Lantin Cup. Other strong challengers include Added Haha (Brigand – Added Value), owned by Rancho Santa Rosa Inc.; Diamond Heart (Kanlaon – Diamond Mia), owned by Ruskin G. Principe; Magna Cum Laude (Silver City – Galapagos), owned by Peter Allan G. Limjoco; Open Billing (Top Billing – Open Slew), owned by Benjamin C. Abalos Jr.; Secretary (Dance City – Romantic Jewel), owned by Ronaldo B. David; Sophisticated (Safe in the USA – Celestial Chase), owned by Gabriel G. Gaelan, and; Wild is the Wind (Noonmark – Lady Pegasus), owned by Maria Theresa D. Floirendo.
COMMISSIONER’S CUP – DIVISION III
Finally, the Commissioner’s Cup Division III will feature another high-stakes showdown with a PHP 500,000.00 guaranteed gross prize and a PHP 50,000.00 Breeder’s Purse. Leading the pack is who has demonstrated impressive form, securing multiple wins in 2024. Notably, he won the MARHO Breeder’s 3YO Colt Mile, Bill Jordan (Top Billing – Jordan’s Sorority), owned by Benjamin C. Abalos Jr., alongside Batang Kanlaon (Top Billing – Ordonnee), owned by Carlomagno M. Batalla, Palauig (Ultimate Goal – Temuka), owned by Benjamin C. Abalos Jr. Other formidable entries include Catbell (Cat Brulay – Lady Primrose) from Bell Racing Stable, Diversity (Dewey Boulevard – O’Deara) owned by Herminio S. Esguerra, and Easy Way (Dance City – Maria’s Tale) under the ownership of Patrick Kok Tiong Chua Uy. Adding more excitement to the race is another coupled entry, Enigma Uno and La Trouppei (Brigand – Betty H), both campaigned by Running Rich Racing Inc. King James (Low Profile – Liquid Oxygen), owned by James Anthony S. Rabano, Shanghai Silk (Shanghai Bobby – Discreet Empire), owned by Leonardo M. Javier, Jr., and Winner Parade (Brigand – Dixie Parade), owned by Melaine Habla.
The 2025 PHILRACOM Commissioner’s Cup is set to be a must-watch event for racing fans and enthusiasts alike. With three divisions showcasing the best of Philippine horse racing, this prestigious competition will undoubtedly be a display of power, agility, and heart.