KARACHI: Bay horse Kuwait Edition topped public fancy chestnut horse Violent Romeo in galloping home by a length-and-a-quarter to clinch the Defence Day Cup under scorching heat in the Gymkhana race meeting at the Karachi Racecourse on Saturday.

Having a three-pound handicap advantage against its opponent, Kuwait Edition added yet another cup to its tally after winning the Pakistan Day Cup in March. It clocked one minute three seconds for five furlongs distance.

Bay horse Geo Jalal seized third place on board, eight lengths behind and was followed by another bay horse Royal Command another two-and-a-half lengths behind.

Owned by Ehtisham Malik and Waiz Malik, the victorious horse was piloted home by rider Adnan Khan and partnered by trainer Naseem.

Earlier, favourites had swept the first four races of the day.

At the outset, mare Sana Again obliged all and sundry after edging gelding Ayyan Prince by short-head verdict to win the four-furlongs opening race in 0.532/5 seconds.

It was steered to success by Adnan who later completed a double in the fifth race.

Mare Soldier Girl and bay horse Money Shower occupied the next two places on board respectively.

Chestnut horse Geo Channa stormed to a facile four lengths victory over another chestnut horse Arsalan Choice to land the second race in 0.541/5 seconds.

Mare Hello My Darling had to be content with third place edged by distance while mare Heer completed the frame beaten by 12 lengths.

Mare Take Care and chestnut colt King’s Ransom proved their mettle by winning the next two races respectively.

The former galloped home over Daffodles Wave by three lengths in 0.584/5 seconds while the latter defeated Waris by distance in 0.563/5 seconds. Both the races were held over four-and-a-half furlongs.

Six horses were scratched in the morning declaration for being unfit while Young Gun was scratched before coming under starting order.

Published in Dawn, September 11th, 2022