The famed Esguerra Farms and Stud of businessman Herminio “Hermie” Esguerra emerged the runaway winner of the 2021 top thoroughbred breeding farm after posting 153 victories in a shortened racing season weighed down by COVID-19 restrictions.
Headlining the star-studded list of Esguerra Farm-bred winners is 2021 Horse of the Year Nuclear Bomb, who won two legs of last year’s Triple Crown.
The 3-year-old colt by Oh Oh Seven (USA) out of Hayley Rebecca (USA) capped his impressive showing for the year by topping the rich Presidential Gold Cup.
Other track notables to come out of Esguerra Farms last year include multiple stakes winning filly Mommy Caring, Sky Shot, Kevlar, Bravo, and Gomezian.
Among the most prolific Esguerra Farm stallions that have produced many winners last year are Oh Oh Seven (AUS), Striding Ahead (USA), Telesto (USA) and former champions Juggling Act (AUS) and Low Profile.
"I'm quite lucky to have some of the best stallions and broodmares that have consistently produced many outstanding horses, notably stakes winners in 2021, despite relatively fewer races in the calendar. As a horse breeder, I am truly delighted for all the horse owners who have acquired exceptional track performers from our farm and equally thankful that they have given them exceptional care to be able to achieve such accomplishments on the track, " Esguerra said.
The other top horse breeders to join the honor roll are Joseph Dyhengco with 119 wins and Mayor Leonardo "Sandy" Javier Jr. with 94, including, multiple stakes winner Super Swerte.
Completing the top 10 are Antonio "Tony" Tan with 91 wins, Benjamin "Benhur" C. Abalos Jr. (46), Jade Brothers Farm and Livestock (46), SC Stockfarm (45), Aristeo "Putch" Puyat (45), Wilbert Tan (41) and James Albert Dichaves (40).
Philracom Chairman Aurelio "Reli" de Leon said: “The Philippine Racing Commission annually recognizes our outstanding horse breeders who have not only invested millions in their breeding operation but have in fact, contributed to the upgrading of the local thoroughbred industry in support of the Filipino horseman’s quest to bring local racing at par with its more progressive Asian racing neighbors."
"In support of such laudable endeavor, the Philracom has allocated added breeders' prizes for second and third placers in major stakes events since the start of the 2022 racing season. This is to encourage them to further their efforts in producing more champions for Philippine horse racing,” added de Leon.