Magsisilbing host ang Manila Jockey Club, premyadong horseracing club sa bansa, sa ilalargang Ramon Bagatsing Centennial Classique bukas sa San Lazaro Leisure Park sa Carmona, Cavite.

Nasa ikawalong taon, ang racing festival ay isinasagawa bilang paggunita sa liderato at pagmamahal sa industriya ng namayapang dating Manila Mayor.

“We celebrate the memory of my father, and his life’s achievements by holding this annual racing festival. He would have been one hundred years old today, and I, along with the entire Bagatsing clan remain steadfast in continuing the tradition he has established, and uphold his proud legacy. Mahal na mahal po ni Mayor ang karera, lalo na ang bayang karerista, kaya iniimbitahan po namin kayong lahat na makisaya at maki-isa sa amin!” pahayag ni Amado Bagatsing, pinakamatandang anak ng dati ring naging Congressman ng Manila sa 5th district.

“The late Ramon Bagatsing was one of Philippine horseracing’s finest ambassadors. It was he, who gave us the Gran Copa de Manila, and through him that some of the country’s greatest races ran. It was he who set the standard, and through his example, Philippine horseracing will continue to progress,” sambit naman ni Andrew Sanchez, chairman ng Philippine Racing Commission (PHILRACOM).

Akari Sports wala pang balak pasukin ang PBA

Tampok na karera sa festival ang 1,750 meter 3-year-old Centennial Classic na magtatampok sa mga dekalidad na pangarera tulad ng Radio Active, Homonhon Island, Dewey Boulevard, Space Needle, at Daiquiri Lass.

Ang 1,750-meter, 4-year-old-and-above Challenge of Champions, ay tatampukan naman ng Atomicseventynine, Haley’s Rainbow, Dixie Gold, Court Of Honour, Kanlaon, Love To Death, at Marinx.

Mapapanood naman ang hataw sa 1,500-meter, 3-year old local Challenge Race ng Real Flames, Pinay Pharoah, Leave It To Me, Mr. Noble, Guanta Na Mera, Xen Young, Double Rock, Bite My Dust, Pinagtipunan, Kundiman, Play It Safe, at Creative.

Isasagawa rin ng PHILRACOM ang 5th leg ng 2,000-meter Imported/Local Challenge.

“We are grateful for all of the sponsors who continue to support this worthwhile endeavor. We not only celebrate the memory of my father, but also contribute to uplifting the welfare and livelihood of the residents of the City of Manila through the contributions made to the KABAKA Foundation. We do my father proud by continuing his lifelong work of helping our fellow countrymen,” sambit ni Atty. Ramon Bagatsing, Jr.

Kabilang sa nagbigay ng ayuda sa festival ang Resorts World Manila, Philippine Racing Commission, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Solaire Resort & Casino, Midas Hotel and Casino, Manila Jockey Club, DLTB Bus Company, Herma Farms, EEG Development Corporation, Mr. Eduardo “Duay” Calixto, City of Dreams Manila, Pacific Online, Skyway Corporation, Smart Communications, Mr. Gardi Cruz, Engr. Jun Sevilla, Mr. Al Tenco, and Mr. Bing Tecson.

Bahagi ng kikitain sa pakarera ay mapupunta sa KABAKA (Kabalikat ng Bayan sa Kaunlaran) Foundation, isang non-governmental foundation na tumutulong at kumakalinga sa mahihirap nating kababayan.

“The Manila Jockey Club has maintained close and fruitful ties with the Bagatsing family over a long period of time, and the contributions made by the late Mayor Ramon Bagatsing to the horseracing industry are unparalleled. It is a great honor to host the Ramon Bagatsing Centennial Classique,” pahayag ni Atty. Alfonso Reyno III.