Ibarra (horse)

Ibarra
SireYoneguska
DamFire Down Under
SexStallion
Foaled2004
Died2020(2020-00-00) (aged 15–16)
CountryPhilippines
OwnerBenhur Abalos
JockeyAntonio Alcasid Jr.
Jess Guce
Major wins
Honors
PSA Horse of the Year (2009)

Ibarra (2004–2020) was a Filipino Thoroughbred. Owned by Benhur Abalos, the horse was the 2008 Presidential Gold Cup champion.

Background

Ibarra was sired by Yoneguska out of Fire Down Under. Ibarra's dam was purchased by Benhur Abalos from Mar Tirona, who in turn purchased her in Keeneland, Kentucky in the United States. His younger brother Hagdang Bato was out of Quaker Ridge.[1] Ibarra himself after racing served as a sire before he died sometime in 2020.[2][3]

Horse racing career

Ibarra still undefeated at the time, was a strong contender for the 2007 Philracom Triple Crown, having secured victories in the first two legs. However, he did not enter third leg after veterinarians discovered bone chips in his upper right knee and underwent an operation. Owner Abalos opted to rest him, prioritizing the horse's long-term health over the chance to secure a Triple Crown title.[1][4][5]

He went on to win the 2008 Presidential Gold Cup. Kevin Albobo was the jockey.[6][7][3][8]

His first ever rider was Antonio Alcasid Jr. Other jockeys who have rode Ibarra also include Jess Guce.[1][9]

Ibarra alongside Go Army were also recognized as a Horse of the Year at the 2009 PSA Annual Awards.[10][1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Maniego, Butch (July 16, 2012). "Newest track hero". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
  2. ^ "Boss Emong tops Commissioner's Cup". BusinessMirror. February 21, 2022. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
  3. ^ a b Cinco, Lito (December 2, 2020). "Benhur Abalos sets bar high". Manila Standard. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
  4. ^ "JV Ongpin Cup: Ibarra dominates triple crown's 2nd leg". GMA News. June 24, 2007. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
  5. ^ "Es Twenty Six wins 3rd leg of 2007 triple crown series". GMA News. July 22, 2007. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
  6. ^ PCSO 42nd Presidential Gold Cup Souvenir Magazine. Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. December 21, 2014. p. 35.
  7. ^ "Ibarra eyes repeat in Gold Cup". The Philippine Star. December 5, 2009. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
  8. ^ "Es Twenty Six wins Breeder's Cup Classic". GMA News. November 25, 2008. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
  9. ^ "Ibarra top pick but sailing will be rough". The Philippine Star. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
  10. ^ "Jocky Hernandez, mga kabayong Ibarra, Go Army kikilalanin ng PSA". The Philippine Star (in Filipino). February 9, 2009. Retrieved July 31, 2025.