LAHORE, Aug 17: Even-money fancied chestnut Puma Star made a powerful thrust to put himself atop in a small field of six to win the feature event during the Lahore Gymkhana races at the Racecourse on Sunday.

Ridden by jockey A. Aziz Puma Star fought a neck-to-neck battle with Prince Of Peace to win by half-a-length from Hot Press, who pushed tiring Prince Of Peace to third place at the finishing post. Extra Heat completed the frame.

Earlier Black Nigeria, Speed Gun and Royal Class were withdrawn from the race leaving behind only six runners. This was the fifth and last race of the day. All events were contested over the sprinting distance of 900 metres.

A race earlier chestnut filly Las Pal Mas ridden by riding boy M. Jehangir led the field from start to finish to land the spoils in the supporting event. She beat Morning Noor by half-a- length. Fancied Mohni Road finished third, another one-and-a- quarter length behind while Raiz Love completed the board among eleven runners.

Bay filly Gun Salute, who was lucky to win by a head from Much Pleasure in the third race was the only favourite to oblige punters. Ridden by jockey Majid Khan gun Salute pipped Much pleasure on the finishing line. Zuhair Choice and Khalid Chandiwala finished third and fourth, respectively.

Four to one chance Sky Hawk won the second race to make amends for his defeat last time out He beat fancied Madam Lorina by one-and-a-half lengths. Extra Power and Jan-i-Ghazal completed the board.

Dark fluke bay mare Barbara sprang a big surprise in the opener. The five-year-old bay mare found the better turn of foot to go on the light weight and beat Dunhill by a head’s margin. Fancied Burrat Again finished third with Crambrook Boy fourth among eleven runners.

Jockey Majid Khan stole the limelights of the day’s racing by bringing home two winners. He first sailed in Sky Hawk in the second race and then drove Gun Salute to a close win the following event.

Results:

Vehari Plate Class VII Division V 900M.