Metro Manila Turf Club, Inc. (MMTCI), operating as MetroTurf, is a horse racing institution in the Philippines. Located in Malvar and Tanauan, Batangas, the company was founded in 2013 and is served as an alternate horse racing hub alongside the Manila Jockey Club and the Philippine Racing Club.
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Horse racing |
| Founded | February 19, 2013 |
| Founders | Dr. Norberto Quisumbing Jr. |
| Headquarters | Malvar, Tanauan, Batangas, Philippines |
| Services | Horse race betting and recreation |
| Website | www |
| Location | Malvar, Tanauan, Batangas, Philippines |
|---|---|
| Date opened | February 19, 2013 |
| Screened on |
|
History
editMMTCI began its operation in February 2013 by Dr. Norberto Quisumbing Jr., founder of the Norkis Group of Companies. It was built on a 45 hectares (450,000 m2) racetrack located at the boundary of Malvar and Tanauan in Batangas. Quisumbing spent PH₱1 billion in constructing the racetrack.[1]
In 2021, MMTCI has allegedly collected twice the required 10% tax on horse racing bets, which resulted in an excessive PH₱300 million. More than 60 horse trainers and groomers were signed a petition to the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) to suspend MMTCI's operations until the latter has settled unpaid taxes.[2]
During the running of the fourth race at Metro Turf Club in Malvar, Batangas on January 10, 2024, 46-year-old jockey Francisco “Kiko” A. Tuazon's (of Barangay 331, Manila) left stirrup of his horse No. 5 named "Wild Eagle" owned by James Rabano suddenly broke, caused him to lose his footing, and fell on the race track at 6:48 p.m from his horse. Tuazon was trampled by his horse and another steed. Suffering from a concussion, he was taken to Daniel Mercado Medical Center in Tanauan, Batangas, where he was declared dead by Dr. Benjamin Macatangay.[3][4] Philippine Racing Commission chairman Aurelio “Reli” P. De Leon Aurelio de Leon paid tribute to the fallen jockey in a statement: "The Commission, along with the entire horse racing community, deeply mourns the untimely passing of jockey Francisco 'Kiko' Tuazon. A revered and cherished figure in the sport, he left an indelible mark on the track and in our hearts." This incident was the first ever major death in the sport in years.
References
edit- ^ Velasco, Bill. "Horse racing's new home". THE GAME OF LIFE, SPORTSHUB. The Philippine Star (April 27, 2013). Retrieved December 11, 2013.
- ^ "Suspend MetroTurf permit: GAB urged to crack the whip on Batangas race track operator for allegedly amassing P300 million in illegal horse betting taxes". Bilyonaryo. 6 July 2023. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
- ^ Estacio, Tonette (Jan 12, 2024). "Jockey dies after being trampled by horses in Batangas race". Manila Bulletin.
- ^ Moreno, Nilda (Jan 12, 2024). "Bayang karerista nalungkot sa sinapit ni jockey FA Tuazon". The Philippine Star.