Philracom finalizes handicapping system

MANILA, Philippines — In an  effort to align its handicapping rules and regulations to world-class standards as a result of its recent acceptance into the International Federation of Horseracing Authority (IFHA), the Philippine Racing Commission is bringing in veteran international handicapping specialist Michael Wanklin to finalize its rating-based handicapping system.

As an IFHA member, the Philracom adopted its mission to promote good regulation and best practices on international matters pertaining to the sport.

Wanklin is a hugely respected authority in the field of handicapping, responsible for drawing up Singapore Turf Club’s extensive guide on handicapping, which has been used as a definitive guideline by many racing authorities around the world.

The handicapping expert is holding a two-day workshop at the Philracom’s Makati office before finalizing its Philippine Rating-Based Handicapping System on the third day.

Wanklin and the Philracom will present the finalized Philippine rating-based handicapping system to stakeholders of the sport, horse owners, trainers, racing managers and club handicappers today at the Chantilly Bar and Bistro of the San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite.

“Wanklin’s visit is an important facet of our goal to uplift horseracing in the Philippines to world-class standards. We need an expert like him to show us the way in terms of handicapping,” said Philracom chairman Andrew Sanchez.

This is the third time this year that the Philracom has brought experts from abroad to improve the level of horse-racing in the country.

In April, the Philracom welcomed Japanese Racing Association Facilities Co. Ltd. director Kazuhiro Youfu and JRA Facilities Co. Ltd. adviser Sadamichi Imabayashi to help raise the standards of the Philippines’ three premier racetracks.

A month before, the Philracom hosted international racing consultant Ciaran Kennelly to review the current structure of the Philracom’s racing program.

Wanklin, who hails from Zimbabwe, made his debut as a professional handicapper in December 1981 and has flourished for over 30 years as one of the world’s best handicappers. He is currently the vice president (Racing) of the Singapore Turf Club, responsible for managing its handicapping, race planning and national fixtures.