THE EQUINE fraternity suffered many setbacks in the preceding year including deaths of 30 horses worth approximately Rs15 million.

Statistics reveal that most of the horses died due to colic and other diseases while some of them were shot dead in mercy killing after they became lame during competitions.

Former champion horse of 2020 Thunder King who showed incredible performance by winning six races on trot, also fell victim to mercy killing. He was leading the race from the front when he became lame and was destroyed on Dec 4.

Many riders escaped injuries during the year but 18-year old riding boy M. Ramzan and another rider M. Sajjad are still out of racing. The former remained hospitalised for a month following skull injuries after he fell from Thunder King while the latter fractured his leg. Veteran rider M. Nasir had also lost his life after falling from the same horse in December 2019.

The racegoers missed action in nine racing weeks out of possible 52 in the calendar year due to various reasons.

The Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup, which is the hallmark of Karachi Race Club (KRC), was, however, celebrated with fervour and the eye-catching performances of horses were watched by a sizeable crowd.

In an enthralling performance, favourite Derby-winning bay colt Sahil completed a double galloping to a facile eight lengths victory over Shorawak with Lahore-based rider Aftab Chaudhry in the saddle.

Aftab has established his credentials both in Lahore and Karachi, with many feathers in his cap.

A hefty sum of Rs3 million was at stake in the nine-race card of the prestigious meeting.

Despite financial constraints, racing activities witnessed some improvements which is quite visible from the facts. The year saw 49 cup races out of 221 races.

It may be mentioned that races suffered a blow due to Covid-19 as only 151 races took place in 2020.

Statistics show that 120 horses made their debut including thoroughbreds, half breds and unknown pedigree.

Rider Adnan Khan and trainer Ghulam Shabbir II won top awards in their respective cadres. The horse of the year award went to Mind of Promise from the stables of Ali Raza Zia. Prominent owner Syed Sibghatullah Shah Pir Pagara was honoured by winning champion owner of the year award.

Meanwhile the permanent staff of the institution, numbering 43, are facing hardships as they await raise in their salaries since last one decade.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2022