Princess Eowyn extended her reign with another smashing win in the Sampaguita Stakes Race at the MetroTurf Racing Complex in Malvar, Batangas, on Sunday.
Ridden by star jockey JB Hernandez this time, Princess Eowyn engaged Obra Maestra in a two-horse battle before sprinting in the final 300 meters for the multiple-length win in the 1,800-meter race.
The repeat Sampaguita Stakes Race champ clocked one minute and 55.6 seconds with quarter times of 14, 22, 23, 25 and 30 seconds in ruling the race.
“We had a strong start so we tested both sides of the track and when we got into the groove, we maintained out pace before giving it all in the stretch,” said Hernandez, who a week earlier steered Work Bell to the Juvenile Filles and Colts Stakes Race victory.
Owner Edward Vincent Diokno banked the P1.2 million prize of Princess Eowyn, a five-year-old filly sired by Keep Laughing out of Dona Carmela.
Shanghai Grey (owner Melanie Habla, jockey Kevin Abobo) pocketed the second-place purse of P450,000, while Obra Maestra (Leonardo Javier Jr., JB Guce) and Two Timer (Rancho Santa Rosa, JP A Guce) picked up P250,000 and P100,000, respectively, as third and fourth placers.
Viva Morena (jockey Dan Camanero) came from the outside to steal the victory worth P300,000 in the in the 4YO and Above Open Stakes Race.
Gomper Girl (JD Flores) settled for the runner-up purse of P112,500, while third placer Stella Malone (JB Hernandez) received P62,500.
Off Track Betting Stations in areas under a modified general community quarantine were finally allowed to operate subject to health and safety protocols. Online betting, however, is encouraged, with bettors at the Metro Turf races using Fastbet, with San Lazaro Leisure Park (Manila Jockey Club) and at the Saddle and Clubs (Philippine Racing Club) uitilizing Telebet.
Safety protocols were still in place at the MetroTurf to help stop the spread of Covid-19. Only the racing clubs’ employees, Philracom personnel, horse-owners, jockeys, trainers and special guests were allowed at the venue, ensuring that only 25 percent of the usual crowd was present.
Jockeys wore special face masks and eye gear, while trainers and other horse-racing personnel at the stables had hazmat suits and other protective equipment.
The 2020 calendar continues with its weekly stakes races, including the second and third legs of the Triple Crown/Hopeful/3YO Locally Bred Stakes Races, Ambassador Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. Memorial Cup, 3YO Imported/Local Challenge and the Juvenile Championship/Lakambini Stakes Race.