PCSO, Philracom boost horse racing industry

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) reinforced its commitment to the domestic horse racing industry Sunday, partnering with the Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom) to headline the 2025 Philracom-PCSO 3rd Leg Imported/Local Challenge.

The collaboration, held at the Philippine Jockey Club, saw the two agencies pool resources to provide a P1.5 million guaranteed gross prize for the 2,000-meter marquee event.

PCSO assistant general manager Atty. Lyssa Grace Pagano, who led the trophy presentation alongside Philracom chairperson Aurelio De Leon, said the partnership is designed to promote competitiveness and integrity while ensuring sustained support for the local racing community.

On the track, Buzz Rocket claimed the P900,000 top prize. Owned by Bell Racing Stable and Eric dela Rosa, the horse was guided by jockey Oneal Cortez and trainer Donato Sordan to a victory over an eight-horse chasing pack.

The race also featured strong finishes by Resonant, who took second place, and Tough Customer and Reverse Merger, who finished third and fourth, respectively.

The PCSO’s involvement in the Challenge is part of a broader strategy to diversify its gaming and marketing sectors while supporting Philippine sports. Senior PCSO officials, including Corporate Planning Department manager Atty. Anna Liza Inciong and Product and Standard Development Department manager Demosthenes Magno, were also on hand to oversee the event.