February 26, 2003	Wednesday	Zul Hijjah 24, 1423

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LAHORE, Feb 25: The field for 54th running of the Pakistan Derby on Sunday seems packed with more contenders than pretenders.

The Derby is a term race for four-year-old Pakistani bred colts and fillies to be run over the standard distance of a mile and a half. The colts will carry 9-0 while the fillies will be allowed 3 pounds allowance. The 10 probable runners are: The Conqueror, Red Ransom, Royal Falcon, Paddock Fancy (9-0), My Fantasy, Democracy, Fidayeen, Red Storm, Daring Eagle and Prime Force (8-11).

The current year’s Derby will be the richest-ever since it began in 1947 after Independence.

The winner’s purse this time is worth rupees 500,000 plus a gold cup. Colts and fillies occupying second, third and fourth positions will bring for their owners, rupees 200,000, rupees 100,000 and rupees 500,00, respectively. Besides the breeder of winner will receive rupees 300,00.

The quest for picking the Derby Winner by the connoisseurs of the sport has already started throughout the country. Lahore the home of the Derby and the metropolis of Punjab seems to have been gripped by Derby fever. In restaurants people are engaged in discussing prospects of the Derby contenders.

The Derby which has a chequered history was introduced in 1947. Before Independence the race was known as the Punjab Derby.

The main supporting events will be the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup and the Breeders Cup.

Meanwhile  the Lahore Race Club has notified for  the information of all concerned that the winner of the Pakistan Derby will be awarded stake-money after the dope test report. The same procedure will be adopted for the winners of the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup and the National Breeders Cup.