2025 PHILRACOM 1ST LEG TRIPLE CROWN
Vinalot Eyu Victorious in Thrilling First Leg of Triple Crown Stakes
MANILA – The Metro Manila Turf Club Inc. (MMTCI) was the epicenter of excitement last Sunday, 11 May 2025, as racing history unfolded at the first leg of the prestigious Triple Crown Stakes. A day of high-stakes competition culminated in electrifying finishes, leaving racing enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.
The spotlight shone brightest on Vinalot Eyu (Diamon King – Ivanavinalot), who delivered a stunning performance to clinch the Triple Crown’s first leg victory. Owned and bred by Melaine C. Habla and guided by jockey Mark Angelo Alvarez, Vinalot Eyu conquered the 1600-meter distance with a final time of 1:42.2. The race unfolded with quarter-mile clockings of 25′, 24, 24′, and 28′, showcasing Vinalot Eyu’s impressive speed and stamina. The winner’s purse for this prestigious race was PHP 2,100,000.00
The race was not without its drama. Constatic Offer (What an offer – Constatic), owned by Antonio V. Tan and ridden by Oneal P. Cortez, staged a remarkable comeback, demonstrating incredible resilience to secure second place. Constatic Offer’s strong showing after a period of absence was a major highlight of the day.
Parade King (Diamond King – Dixie Parade), owned by Rancho Sta Rosa and ridden by John Alvin Guce, finished a strong third, while Mastery (National Pride – Lorinda), part of the coupled entry owned by Benjamin C. Abalos Jr. and ridden by Andreu R. Villegas, claimed fourth place.
Pre-race favorite Transform, owned by Herminio S. Esguerra and ridden by John Sajhed R. De Ocampo, who had dominated the Road to the Triple Crown, finished fifth. Midnight Bell, owned by Bell Racing and ridden by Jonathan B. Hernandez, crossed the finish line in sixth place.
The rest of the field, consisting of Black Jack, Pecotin Lady, El Jaleo, Zoom In, Senor Ivarra, Sega Toulin, and Cole Is Right, rounded out the order of finish.
The day also featured the highly anticipated Hopeful Stakes race, where He’s So Fine (What an Offer – Luck and Fame) emerged victorious. Owned by James T. Sevilla, bred by Antonio V. Tan, and guided by Kelvin B. Abobo, He’s So Fine blazed through the course with a final time of 1:42. The quarter-mile clockings were 26, 24′, 24, and 27′. He’s So Fine earned a well-deserved PHP 900,000.00 for the win.
Flaming June, ridden by Andreu R. Villegas, secured second place, while Robotic Clay, ridden by Jeffrey B. Bacaycay, finished third.
In the 3YO Locally Bred Stakes, District One (Sepfourteen – Malibu Lila), owned and bred by SC Stockfarm Inc. and guided by John Alvin Guce, showcased exceptional talent to claim the top spot. District One completed the race with a final time of 1:43.4, with quarter mile clockings of 26, 24, 24, and 29′. The victory earned District One PHP 600,000.00.
“We witnessed incredible performances across all races, from the thrilling Triple Crown first leg to the impressive displays in the Hopeful Stakes and the 3YO Locally Bred Stakes. The dedication of the owners, trainers, and jockeys, combined with the exceptional talent of these horses, made for a truly unforgettable day. We congratulate all the winners and participants and look forward to the continued excitement of the Triple Crown series.” Chairman’s statement.
PHILRACOM extends its gratitude to the Metro Manila Turf Club Inc. for hosting this successful event and to all the sponsors, stakeholders, and racing fans who contributed to the day’s success.