KARACHI, Jan 20: The New Champion having the services of Mujahid Ali once again in the saddle, lifted the New Year Cup, leaving the rest of the field in his wake, at the Winter Gymkhana Meeting held on Sunday at the Karachi Racecourse.

The property of leading owner M. Ateeq, the bay colt never let the connections down, winning the six furlong sprint by a street from nearest rival Navaho Princess, a thoroughbred bay filly from the Faisal Farooq stables. Micky Mikado II a thoroughbred bay colt was third as Al Ashia completed the frame.

The Faisal Farooq stables however, had plenty to celebrate about.

Giselle, owned by Ali Faisal Farooq, galloped home to victory in the second race under jockey Shahzad, who leaves for Australia with trainer Mushtaq Mohammad, along with Faisal Farooq early Monday morning.

Then to add the icing on the cake, the bay filly Chantilly Lace owned by another son Amin Farooq, held off a spirited challenge by Shab-e-Noor, winning the next race by a short head under jockey Ali Sher.

Both winners trained by Zahid Hussain, and the lanky former rider was delighted to register his first double of the season.

The riding honours however was once again reserved for young Raees Ahmed, who piloted home Bold Commander in the fifth race and Leo in the last event on the programme. In the second race won by Giselle.

After triumphing on Bold Commander, beating the crowd fancy Bella by half a length, Raees rode an intelligent race on Leo, ending the pretension of the favourite Edging Ahead.

Ever Smiling, a chestnut mare ridden by riding boy Bashir Karim, came from behind with a rattling burst to collar front runner Just In Fun in the opening event. Simple Prayer was third with Wonderful Boy running out of steam was fourth.

Slim Fit continued to let the punters down, finishing a poor third behind Tomahawk and Golden News, after Ray Of Light led the field for most part of the race.

Following were the results:

NEW YEAR PLATE CLASS IX G-II 5F