Horseracing’s cream of crop inducted to Hall of Fame

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine horseracing industry was abuzz last Saturday as 15 personalities were recognized during the 2023 Philracom Hall of Fame Induction Night at the Manila Diamond Hotel’s Grand Ballroom.

The Hall of Fame aims to give honor and recognition to those who have had significant contributions and achievements in the local horsracing industry.

In attendance were the who’s who of local horseracing led by Philracom chairman Reli de Leon, commissioners Dante Lantin and Lyndon Noel Guce along with horseowners, trainers and jockeys, past and present.

Leading the inductees were the legendary Jose “Pepe” Saulog, multi-titled Joe Noel Camu, former Jockey of the Year awardees Jesse Guce and Patricio “Pati” Dilema and multi-titled Jonathan “Uno” Hernandez.

The inductees included the late Manuel “Maning” Henson, represented by equally renowned trainer Ray Henson, and the incomparable Ruben Tupas.

Last to be inducted was Herminio “Hermie” Esguerra, owner of some dominant track superstars, including emerging stallion Oh Oh Seven and Quaker Ridge whose offsprings include Ibarra and the people’s champ Hagdang Bato.

Sharing the spotlight were Rolando “Rolly” Rojas,  Enrique “Henry” Cojuangco, represented by Enrique “Kit” Cojuangco Jr. and Aristeo “Putch” Puyat both whose passion for horseracing spanned decades, and Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, whose keen eye for champion qualites in racehorses gained him the respect of his peers.