KARACHI, Oct 11: Experienced jockey Ghulam Shabbir II, who is enjoying a commendable lead on the table, looks certain to claim the‘Champion Rider of the Year’ award at the beginning of next year.

The rider has registered 59 victories so far until the last Gymkhana race meeting held at the Karachi Racecourse on Oct 3. He has shone in the saddle throughout the year by bringing home treble and brace of winners frequently.

Some of his feats include The Pakistan 60th Anniversary Cup, The Sindh Cup, The Top Most Cup, The Sanghar Cup, The Aberdonian Stakes Cup and The Defence Day Cup.

His closest rival M. Nasir who is the reigning champion, is lying second with 46 wins under his belt.

Veteran trainers Ehtisham Rizvi and Mushtaq Ali Khan are in the run for ‘Champion Trainer of the Year’ award.

The former heads the table by sending 35 winners to date. He is closely followed by the latter who has saddled 27 winners.

Only first positions are taken into consideration for the awards by the KRC management.