BIG Lagoon booked a place in Philippine horseracing history by ruling the P10 million Philracom-PCSO Presidential Gold Cup over the weekend at the Metro Manila Turf Club, becoming only the fifth back-to-back winner of the prestigious race.
The Havana out of Blue Catch progeny followed the footsteps of Fair and Square, Sun Dancer, Bulldozer and Wind Blown in topping the race.
Big Lagoon finished a clear five lengths ahead of Boss Emong with War Cannon taking third and Magtotobetsky snatching fourth. The winner clocked 2:05 with splits of 25’-24’-24’-24-26.’
The win was Ruben Tupas’ eleventh Gold Cup victory.
Istulen Ola, a stablemate of Big Lagoon, broke out of the gates fast and dictated the race, with Boss Emong trying to keep in step and Big Lagoon a close third.
At the half-mile mark, the six-year-old bay ridden by regular rider John Alvin Guce made his move, passing Boss Emong.
At the last quarter, it was evident the 2,000m distance was a little too much for Istulen Ola and Boss Emong and there was no denying Big Lagoon and his connections the P6 million winner’s prize and his name etched in the PGC trophy.
“Congratulations to Big Lagoon for the victory and it was indeed a very exciting race. Rest assured that the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office will be working hand-in-hand with the Philracom to bring the racing public more exciting races in future,” PCSO General Manager Mel Robles said.
Philracom Chairman Reli de Leon also congratulated the winning connections of Big Lagoon for a job well done.
