July 21, 2008	Monday	Rajab 17, 1429

KARACHI, July 20: Six-year-old bay Bharosa’s new course record of seven successive victories overshadowed colt Bam Bamm’s success in the Gymkhana race meeting which was marred by cancellation of a race after announcement of its results at the Karachi Racecourse on Sunday.

Bharosa, who made it six-in-a-row on June 29 to equal Fantastic Baby record, eclipsed it after galloping to a facile three lengths’ victory over mare Afroze Jehan in the concluding race to land the feature event.

There was jubilation all around as Bharosa entered his name in the annals of KRC crossing the finishing post ahead of his opponents by defying the handicap.

The horse from the stables of Abdul Rafay Farooqi who was saddled by Aurangzeb Khan was given a good ride by jockey Tariq Baran. Jockey Arshad steered Bharosa to first four wins followed by Ghulam Shabbir II and Nasir.

Filly Bacaradi, who was also in contention for the honours, did not get a fair deal in terms of a rider with novice rider M. Rashid astride. She settled for third, quarter-and-a-length away while colt Star Is Born completed the board.

The owner, trainer and jockey trio comprising Syed Ismail Shah, M. Rafik K and Ghulam Shabbir II returned with a brace in the back-to-back races.

Favourite three-year-old chestnut colt Bam Bamm made it two on the trot after registering an emphatic 12 lengths’ victory over bay Lucky Gem. Leading Of Arab and Sada-e-Awan finished in the same order.

Colt Stryde By Stryde, who was not on job in the last two runs after winning the preceding race, shone while returning home by five-and-a-half lengths.

He was chased by Manan Prince, Closing Argument and Sing Sing.

Meanwhile, the cancellation of fifth race after it was run and conveniently won by odds-on-favourite colt Remy Martin by eight lengths in a smart time, left a bad taste.

“The race was cancelled due to a false start,” Kamal Farooq, a member of the Racing Committee told Dawn when approached for comments.

On the other hand, his excuse failed to satisfy the perturbed punters who felt cheated.

‘The starter could have immediately shown the red flag had it been a false start,” they questioned.

They argued that the concerned authorities took time to announce cancellation depriving a large number of people refund of their money as they have thrown their cards in sheer disgust.

Of late, similar incidents are taking place quite often and demand remedy from high ups in the larger interest of sport.

Earlier, rider Mohammad Essa presented owner Shah Mardan Shah Pagara with a winner piloting favourite Make Millions to seven-and-a-half lengths victory in the opener.

Similarly, favourite mare Again Of Arab did owner Syed Khurram Anwar Ahmed proud when she was steered to an impressive nine lengths victory in the next race.

Colt Beyond Belief with no form worth pulled off the only upset of the day claiming the third race edging Sonia by two lengths.

Results:

THE MUREE PLATE DIV V

CLASS VII 5F:

Make Millions (Shah Mardan Shah Pir Pagara) 8-10, Mohammad Essa 1; Racing

Leader 8-0, M. Amjad 2; Spenzer 9-0, Yousuf Ikram 3; Native Queen 7-13 (cr7-10), Zaki Zakir 4.

Won by 7 1/2L, 1 1/2L, 9L. Time: One min 9 3/5 sec. Winner trained by Sher Mohammad.

THE MUREE PLATE DIV IV

CLASS VII 5F:

Again Of Arab (Syed Khurram Anwar Ahmed) 8-12 (cr8-9), Zaki Zakir 1; Queen Of Kinjher 8-5, Mohammad Essa 2; Princess Sparkle 8-12, Tariq Baran 3; Mixed Blessing 8-8, M. Manzoor 4.

Won by 9L, 3L, 1/2L. Time: One min 6 sec. Winner trained by Ghulam Channa.

THE MUREE PLATE DIV III

CLASS VII 5F:

Beyond Belief (S.R. Ali and K.R. Ali) 8-0, Pervez Ali 1; Sonia 8-11 (cr8-4), M. Manzoor 2; New Ferrari 8-4, M. Nasir 3; Be Jamalo 8-7, M. Yousuf 4.

Won by 2L, 4L, 7L. Time: One min 8 1/5 sec. Winner trained by C. Colaco.

THE MUREE PLATE DIV II

CLASS VII 5F:

Bam Bamm (Syed Ismail Shah) 9-0, Ghulam Shabbir II 1; Lucky Gem 8-4 (cr7-13), Pervez Ali 2; Leading Of Arab 7-12, Zaki Zakir 3; Sada-e-Awan 9-0, Asghar Ali 4.

Won by 12L, Neck, 3L. Time: One min 4 1/5 sec. Winner trained by M. Rafik K.

THE KINGREE PLATE CLASS VI 5F:

Stryde By Stryde (Syed Ismail Shah) 8-6, Ghulam Shabbir II 1; Manan Prince 8-6, Wasim 2; Closing Argument 9-2, Mumtaz Ali 3; Sing Sing 7-13, M. Manzoor 4.

Won by 5 1/2L, 5L, Dist. Time: One min 3 2/5 sec. Winner trained by M. Rafik K.

THE QUETTA PLATE CLASS IV

AND V DIV I AND II 5F:

Bharosa (Abdul Rafay Farooqi) 9-8, Tariq Baran 1; Afroze Jehan 8-5, Fahim K 2; Bacaradi 7-11, M. Rashid 3; Star Is Born 7-7, M. Yousuf 4.

Won by 3L, 1 1/4L, 5L. Time: One min 3 ¾ sec. Winner trained by Aurangzeb Khan.