KARACHI: Longshot chestnut horse Wapiti surprised the pundits while getting the better of bay horse Epsom by six lengths to annex the Khairpur Cup in the Gymkhana race meeting at the Karachi Racecourse on Sunday.

This is Wapiti’s maiden win of the year in six outings.

The victorious horse was steered to victory by rider Lateef in 0.514/5 seconds in the four furlongs race that featured half-a-dozen horses. The rider excelled in his cadre with a double, his other winner being co-favourite mare Baby Champion in the opening race.

Mare Meri Chahat fell third by a length-and-a-half with gelding Supreme Leader completing the quartet another three lengths behind.

Public fancy bay horse Abdullah Prince finished off the frame.

Earlier, as many as three horses — bay horses Canadian King and Ibaheem (first race) and grey horse Flag Of Champion (third race) — could not make it to the competition as they were scratched in morning declaration for being unfit.

Running like a champion, Baby Champion shot into prominence imposing to a fluent two lengths victory over gelding Faisal Choice to clinch the opening race. She clocked 0.541/5 seconds for four furlongs.

This triumph, her second of the year, has come after a lapse of almost three months from her earlier win.

Bay horse Thakur ended third by a length-and-a-quarter and was followed by mare Money Heist further length-and-a-half behind in a field of five acceptors.

Another rank outsider bay horse Mastana created quite a stir galloping to two lengths victory over mare Little Darling to win the second race and make it two on trot.

He returned home in 0.532/5 seconds in four furlongs with rider Zaki Zakir in the saddle.

Despite a change of name, Chota Jalal (formerly Zabal One) remained luckless with victory eluding him once more.

Bay horses Faisal King and Desco finished third and fourth respectively among nine starters.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2023