Hapi Jockey Club Inc. (HJCI) held the groundbreaking for its fourth race track on May 3, 2022, a 50-hectare thoroughbred racing complex in Padre Garcia, Batangas1. The club had secured a franchise from Congress and the Office of the President to operate for the next 25 years2. Under Republic Act 11649, HJCI was granted a 25-year franchise to construct, operate and maintain racetracks for horse racing in the provinces of Batangas, Laguna and Cavite1. The franchise was signed into law by President Duterte on March 8 and officially took effect on March 291.
The site is expected to open early in 2024 and is being patterned after Churchill Downs in Louisville in the United States2. It will feature a one-mile (1,600-meter) track from end to end, which the club says none of the current racetracks in operation has, along with a gallery for live spectators and a tunnel similar to Churchill Downs2. HJCI said it secured Trackmaster USA for the design of the main track and a separate exercise track, with official races on the main track and the center track reserved for training2. The site is accessible from the Lipa, Balete or San Jose-Ibaan Star Tollway Exit going to P. Torres Street (Lipa-Padre Garcia Road), adjacent to Lipa City2.
"We are very thrilled to have finally laid the foundation to a racing facility dedicated to all local horse racing aficionados who are truly passionate for the sport and the industry that revolves around it."
The groundbreaking was attended by HJCI incorporators, racehorse owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys, along with officials from the Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom), the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) and local executives from Padre Garcia and Batangas1. Philracom chairman Aurelio "Reli" de Leon attended2. HJCI treasurer and director Elmer de Leon was also present2. Upon completion it would become the fourth world-class racetrack after the San Lazaro Leisure Park, Santa Ana and Metro Manila Turf2.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Groundbreaking date | May 3, 20221 |
| Location | Padre Garcia, Batangas2 |
| Site size | 50 hectares2 |
| Franchise | Republic Act 11649, 25 years, Batangas, Laguna and Cavite1 |
| Franchise signed | March 81 |
| Franchise effective | March 291 |
| Expected opening | Early 20242 |
| Track | One-mile (1,600 meters) twin oval2 |
What it means for players
The Philippines currently has three operating racetracks: San Lazaro Leisure Park, Santa Ana and Metro Manila Turf2. HJCI's complex would add a fourth, in Batangas, with a one-mile main track and a separate training track2. The club says the facility is aimed at local horse racing fans and is intended to help restore public interest in the sport1. No details have been reported on betting products, pool types or admission at the new track. For background on how horse racing betting works in the region, see Horse Racing and Betting in Asia, and for the wider market, Can I Gamble in the Philippines?.
What happens next
Construction of the one-mile twin oval racetrack was to begin immediately after the groundbreaking, according to HJCI treasurer Elmer de Leon2. The complex is expected to open early in 20242. No further schedule for licensing, trial race meetings or the start of betting operations has been reported.
Sources2 sources
- Modern racetrack to rise in Padre Garcia | Philstar.com, philstar.com
- Horse racing gets boost with fourth racetrack to rise in Batangas | Inquirer Sports, sports.inquirer.net
