Andrew “Dodong” Villegas with horse, Vavavoom | PHOTO: Official facebook page of the Philippine Racing Commission
Vavavoom, masterfully guided by Andrew “Dodong” Villegas through the rain, dominated the PSA (Philippine Sportswriters Association) Cup on Sunday at Metro Turf in Malvar, Batangas.
The 4-year-old bay filly burst out of the gates to take the lead early and never let up, winning by five lengths in one minute and 25.4 seconds.
Lucky Lea, steered by Dan Camanero finished a distant second while Biglang Buhos, under CP Henson, finished third. JA Guce guided Denueis Son to fourth place.
Grizzled veteran trainer Ruben Tupas handled Vavavoom of Sandy Javier, the multititled breeder and horse owner.
“It wasn’t much of a surprise [that Vavavoom won] because we’ve been winning prestigious races,” said Tupas, a recipient of multiple trainer of the year awards.
The proceeds of the race will go to the charity programs of the PSA headed by The Philippine STAR sports editor Nelson Beltran.
“This annual benefit race is for the PSA and we’re here to partner with the sportswriting community and support their advocacies,” said Philracom president Reli de Leon.
De Leon was accompanied in the awarding ceremony by his acting executive director Ronaldo Corpuz and MMCTI’s race manager Rondy Prado.