LAHORE: Living up to the expectations, favourite bay colt Champ clinched the Islamabad Cup here at the floodlit racecourse on Sunday evening.

Despite starting at even odds, Champ showcased remarkable speed overtaking front-running colt Al Ravi before comfortably crossing the finish line with a two-length lead.

In the process Champ achieved his second significant triumph under jockey Aftab Choudhry, completing the race in 59. 4/5 seconds. Bay horse Guns of Navarone secured the third spot.

In the supporting event, Samasatta Plate Class VII, the favourite horse Sixty Love Just narrowly defeated roan colt Hizar in an exhilarating battle, ensuring that favourites dominated the six-race card.

Earlier in the day, chestnut mare M. Princess claimed her maiden victory, overcoming gelding Mitchal Prince by a comfortable four-length margin.

Bay colt Life Is Good entered the winner’s circle in the second race with a commanding lead of over eight lengths.

Colt Absolutely Not, yet another favourite, extended his winning streak to two in the third event.

Similarly, favourite horse Zaman Sahib redeemed himself from his previous defeat and triumphed over Forsythia by a two-length margin in the fourth race.

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2023