Auto Cruise cruises to victory
Text and photos by Rey Nillama
LIPA, Batangas — Auto Cruise, ridden by jockey Pat Delima, emerged victorious in the 25th Klub Don Juan de Manila (KDJM) Derby, topping a competitive field of three-year-old thoroughbreds in the 1,800-meter race held Sunday, October 25, in Batangas.
The milestone edition of the annual derby drew horse racing enthusiasts, owners and supporters to the race venue in the Padre Garcia-Lipa area, where contenders battled for one of the season’s major prizes.
Delima positioned Auto Cruise strategically early in the race before asking his mount for a stronger effort in the closing stages. The horse responded with a powerful finishing run, pulling clear of its rivals in the home stretch to secure the victory.
Auto Cruise clocked 1:52.4 to seal the championship against a field that included Thunder Strike, Silver Horizon, Aegis Dynamic, Gallant King, Manila Flash, Batangas Express and Royal Meridian.
Delima credited his mount’s fighting spirit for the victory, saying Auto Cruise responded to his urging in the final 300 meters.
“Sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam na makuha itong 25th KDJM Derby,” Delima said, expressing his appreciation to the horse, the stable team and the supporters who helped make the triumph possible.
The winning connections received the championship trophy and commemorative sash from race organizers following the event.
Auto Cruise’s victory highlighted the 25th staging of the KDJM Derby and strengthened the horse’s credentials as a contender to watch in upcoming races.
The result also served as a fitting highlight of a major gathering of Philippine horse racing fans in Batangas.
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