Abalos, champion team feted in Philtobo Awards

MANILA, Philippines — Horse owner/breeder Benhur Abalos Jr. reaped unparalleled success in the recent 27th Philtobo Gintong Lahi Awards.

Besides securing the honor as Owner of the Year hands-down, Abalos brought home six more awards convincingly earned by his champion horses during the awards night recently at the Blue Leaf Events Pavilion at Mckinley Hill Village, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

“I’m very grateful and honored for these recognition. Buong puso naming ipinagmamalaki at ibahagi sa inyo ang aming karangalan upang maghatid ng inspiration sa Philippine horse racing industry,’’ said Abalos.

The former secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government likewise saw his winning thoroughbreds earn the accolades they truly deserve.

Batang Manda was named Horse of the Year and Low Profile received the Stallion of the Year award while Palauig (Champion Sprinter), El Jaleo (Champion Two-Year-Old Colt) and Open Billing (Champion Older Horse) were also honored. That’s apart from another award that Batang Manda obtained as the solid choice for Champion Three-Year-Old Colt trophy.

``Sama-sama tayo sa progress ng pag-produce ng mga champion na kabayo upang makasabay tayo at lalo pang lumakas ang ating industriya. Hindi lang sa local, pati na rin sa international at para magbigay ng inspirasyon sa younger generation,’’ said Abalos.