THE recently-appointed members of the Philippine Racing Commission, led by its chairman Andrew A. Sanchez, will be strictly implementing pre-race inspection guidelines of horses prior to the start of every racemeet.
The guidelines are expected to reduce the instances of scratching at the gate and jockeys’ refusals to mount at the gate due to perceived problems with the horses.
Philracom, a government agency under the Office of the President, regulates and supervises horseracing. Sanchez was appointed last January along with new fellow commissioners lawyers Ramon S. Bagatsing Jr., Wilfredo A. de Ungria, Jose G. Santillan, and Bienvenido C. Niles Jr., along with reappointees lawyer Victor V. Tantoco and Lyndon Noel B. Guce.
According to Sanchez, “All horses running for the day, including those participating in the official barrier trials, shall be required to undergo pre-race inspection,” to be conducted by the racing club veterinarian two races or one hour before the race, under the supervision of a Philracom veterinarian.
The horse’s owner, trainer, or authorized representative is required to be present during the inspection; if pre-race inspection is refused, the entry shall be withdrawn from the race.
Other guidelines pertain to the soundness of the horses and suspensions for offenses.
“We aim to protect the betting public,” said Sanchez, “and will continue to further refine processes and systems to ensure the satisfaction of the sport’s aficionados.”