History of MMTC
MetroTurf Racecourse is one of the major horse racing venues in the Philippines. It is located at the boundary of Malvar and Tanauan in Batangas Province and is operated by the Metro Manila Turf Club (MMTC). The racetrack opened on February 19, 2013 and was built to serve as a modern horse racing facility for the Philippine racing industry.
Establishment
of Metro Manila Turf Club
Metro Manila Turf Club Incorporated (MMTCI) began operations in February 2013 under Dr. Norberto Quisumbing Jr., founder of the Norkis Group of Companies.
The racecourse was built on a 45-hectare property located between Malvar and Tanauan in Batangas. Around ₱1 billion was invested to construct the facility, with the goal of creating a modern racing complex for the Philippine horse racing community.
The racecourse was built on a 45-hectare property located between Malvar and Tanauan in Batangas. Around ₱1 billion was invested to construct the facility, with the goal of creating a modern racing complex for the Philippine horse racing community.
Modern Racing Hub
in the Philippines
MetroTurf gained greater importance in the Philippine racing industry after several historic racetracks shut down operations.
By 2022, the closure of San Lazaro Leisure Park and Santa Ana Park left MetroTurf as the primary active horse racing venue in the country. This increased its role as a central hub for horse racing events and betting activities in the Philippines.
By 2022, the closure of San Lazaro Leisure Park and Santa Ana Park left MetroTurf as the primary active horse racing venue in the country. This increased its role as a central hub for horse racing events and betting activities in the Philippines.
Racing Events
MetroTurf hosts several notable races in the Philippines, including:
PCSO Presidential Gold Cup — One of the most prestigious horse races in the country, held since 1973.
PCSO Silver Cup — Established in 1995, another major race that highlights locally bred Thoroughbred horses.
PCSO Presidential Gold Cup — One of the most prestigious horse races in the country, held since 1973.
PCSO Silver Cup — Established in 1995, another major race that highlights locally bred Thoroughbred horses.
Facilities
The racecourse was designed with the assistance of Singaporean racetrack consultant K.K. Kumar.
MetroTurf features a 1,525-meter dirt racing track and a grandstand that can accommodate around 3,000 spectators. The facility was designed to support modern racing operations, including race management systems, training areas, and spectator amenities.
MetroTurf features a 1,525-meter dirt racing track and a grandstand that can accommodate around 3,000 spectators. The facility was designed to support modern racing operations, including race management systems, training areas, and spectator amenities.
Industry Issues
and Controversy
In 2021, Metro Manila Turf Club faced controversy after allegations surfaced that the organization collected horse racing betting taxes exceeding the required 10 percent rate.
Reports suggested the excess collection reached around ₱300 million. More than 60 horse trainers and groomers signed a petition requesting the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) to suspend operations until the tax issues were resolved.
Reports suggested the excess collection reached around ₱300 million. More than 60 horse trainers and groomers signed a petition requesting the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) to suspend operations until the tax issues were resolved.
Role in Philippine
Horse Racing
Despite challenges, MetroTurf remains an important facility within the Philippine horse racing industry.
It continues to host major racing events and serves as a key venue for trainers, jockeys, horse owners, and racing enthusiasts across the country.
Its establishment represents a significant effort to modernize and sustain horse racing in the Philippines.
It continues to host major racing events and serves as a key venue for trainers, jockeys, horse owners, and racing enthusiasts across the country.
Its establishment represents a significant effort to modernize and sustain horse racing in the Philippines.