Third time for Wind Blown in PSA Awards

A Class A jockey, a thoroughbred well loved by the Bayang Karerista and the association overseeing the multi-billion horse racing industry join the honor roll of sports achievers to be cited by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) during its Annual Awards Night on Jan. 9 at the Manila Pavilion. For the second time in three years, Patty Dilema was named jockey of the year, becoming one of the few two-time winners of the award being given every year by the country‚s oldest media organization.

One of three Dilema brothers in active duty as jockeys, Patty first won the award in 2001.

A hands-down-choice for the horse of the year award is Wind Blown, an outstanding galloper retired to stud a few weeks ago to end what went down as one of local horse racing’s most successful and widely-followed careers.

To most racing fans, no other horse has captured the imagination of the Bayang Karerista than this pride and joy of noted sportsman Hermie Esguerra.

In five years, Wind Blown won close to P18 million in prizes, the most by any local horse. It was the third time that the son of Hazm and Wind In My Hair had won the award.

In 2001, the year he strung up a long line of victories that included an amazing conquest of the prestigious Presidential Gold Cup, Wind Blown was also the unanimous choice for the honor.

In recognition of another banner year that saw Wind Blown post an unbeaten run in stakes races dating back to 2001, the sportswriting fraternity also bestowed on him the horse of the year award in 2002. The Philippine Racing Commission under Chairman Jaime Dilag will also be cited during the two-hour rites sponsored by Red Bull and Agfa Colors and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, Philippine Basketball Association and San Miguel Corp.

Under the stewardship of Dilag and commissioners Eddie Jose, Vergel Cruz, Eduardo Domingo., Jr and Roger Tandiama, the government agency tasked to look after the rich horse racing industry reached its projected target of an all-time record of P7.5 billion.

When it comes to choosing its jockey of the year awardee, the PSA board traditionally put so much weight on money winnings and number of rides won. Since Dilema is too far ahead over Jeffrey Zarate in both categories, the PSA board voted 8-1 favoring the former.

Dilema registered 187 wins in 822 starts and posted more than P40 million in money winnings in 11 months, a big chunk of which coming through victories aboard stakes winners like Ariba King, Material Maker and War Hero.

"Both of them (Dilema and Zarate) deserve the award. Both of them accomplished a lot this year. But what clinched it for Dilema is his being way, way ahead in money winnings and number of rides won," said PSA president Bert Cuevas.

The awards night will be hosted by amateur basketball standout Alex Compton and Lala Roque of Channel 4.