KARACHI: Public fancy four-year-old colt Pakistani Star cantered home by distance to clinch the Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup in the winter Gymkhana race meeting at the Karachi Racecourse on Monday.
The victorious horse was cheered on by a packed-to-capacity holiday crowd as he emerged in a commanding position in the home stretch to justify his billing.
Pakistani Star was initially challenged by chestnut horse Thunder Star and colt Hotman among five starters in the 10-furlongs race but the former kicked up speed after negotiating the bend to add another glory following his triumph in the Pakistan Derby at Lahore earlier this year.
Thunder Star, Hotman and Thunder Sky occupied the next three slots on board respectively.
The 15-to-100 favourite Pakistani Star was efficiently ridden home by jockey Fahim K. in a smart time of two minutes and eight seconds.
“Its like a dream come true,” a jubilant Fahim, who won his maiden prestigious Gold Cup, told Dawn.
The 32-year-old jockey, who had spent some time in UAE, belongs to a horse-racing family. One of his siblings Naeem K. died after falling from his mount during competition long ago.
Owned by Lahore-based Haji Chaudhary Asghar Ali, the winning horse was partnered by trainer Naseem.
The owner received the glittering cup from the KRC President Syed Sadruddin Shah besides winning a purse of rupees one million amidst applause.
Punters, meanwhile, enjoyed the proceedings as seven favourites obliged them in a lengthy nine-race card.
Rider M. Sajjad and trainer Gh. Shabbir II stole limelight in their respective cadres by partnering treble apiece. Rider M. Zulfiqar ended the day with a splendid double.
With a win under her belt, favourite filly Punch Line stormed to two-and-a-half lengths victory over colt Sand Man to annex the 2000 Guineas of Pakistan. She was home in one minute 46 seconds in the one-mile contest.
Another filly Queens Pride edged past bay horse Kuwait Edition by half-a-length to win the X-Mas Cup and make it two on trot. She clocked one minute 16 seconds for six-furlongs race.
Belonging to the same connection, filly Victoria lowered the colours of fancied colt Swift Retort as she pleased by five lengths to lift the Nursery Cup which had a field of four acceptors.
The day’s first upset came in the opening race when long shot mare Sanober coasted to a length victory over chestnut horse Mister Minister.
The Managing Committee Cup ended in a blaze of glory for dark bay colt Authority who edged past filly English Doll by five lengths.
Colts Man of Promise, Mr. Magic and chestnut filly
Hessa obliged racegoers in the second, fourth and ninth races respectively.
Published in Dawn, December 26th, 2023
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