Philracom suspends jockey, fines MJC Board of Stewards

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Racing Commission suspended last Aug. 5 jockey Fernando Raquel Jr. and imposed stiff fines on the Manila Jockey Club Board of Stewards following an untoward incident.

The Commission found that Raquel violated PR (Philippine racing rule) 76 after an “unsatisfactory performance atop horse Donttouchthewine” in Race 7 last July 23 at the MJC’s San Lazaro Leisure Park.

Raquel was suspended for 24 racing days for his “lack of interest or for not taking all reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race to ensure that his horse is given full opportunity to obtain the best possible placing.”

Members of the MJC Board of Stewards headed by its chairman Rafael de las Cagigas were fined P5,000 each for “willful violation of Philracom rules (specifically PR 5, Sec. G), grave abuse of discretion, or gross negligence committed by stewards” in connection with this incident.

“We are constantly vigilant,” said Philracom chairman Andrew Sanchez, “in our mission to protect the best interest of the racing public. We will not hesitate to apply and enforce the pertinent laws, rules, and regulations when warranted.”  

Philracom’s charter, Presidential Decree No. 420, provides the Commission with powers to hold hearings and conduct investigations related to race conduct and other aspects of the sport.