Pangalusian Island rules Presidential Gold Cup

MANILA, Philippines — Pangalusian Island stole the thunder from the favorites, snuffing out the luck of Super Swerte in an exciting homestretch battle to rule the 48th Philippine Racing Commission’s Presidential Gold Cup Sunday at the San Lazaro Leisure Park (SLLP) in Carmona, Cavite.

Runner-up to SuperSonic last year, Pangalusian Island waited for the opportune time to strike and found the chance in the final stretch, where the Wilbert Tan-owned four-year-old colt, ridden by jockey Mark Alvarez, overtook Super Swerte in the final 10 meters for the thrilling win.

Tan netted P1.8 million, plus the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office-donated Presidential Gold Cup trophy, which newly appointed Philracom Chairman Reli de Leon described as the ultimate dream of every horseowner.

“Special ito, magandang regalo ngayong Pasko,” said Tan.

Super Swerte, owned by Leonardo Javier, whose other horse SuperSonic placed fifth (P90,000), earned P675,000 as runner-up, while third placer Wonderland (PR Dilema), got P375,000 for its owner Ken Logistics Forwarding. Fourth placer Boss Emong, ridden by jockey MM Gonzales, won P150,000 for its owner Edward Vincent Diokno.