KARACHI, Dec 22: Three horses – Main Aie, Pastime and Stride By Stride – have shown excellence by winning two back-to-back Quaid-i-Azam Gold Cup since its inception in 1948. Nero also claimed the cup twice but not in a sequence.

According to details available here, Main Aie crowned the cup in 1949-50, followed by Pastime in 1967-68 and Stride By Stride in 1984-85.

Nero’s first triumph came in 1962 and was denied to make it two-in-a-row by Zeus the following year. However, the horse stormed back to recapture the cup in 1964.

Barring four exceptions in 1971, 77, 79 and 80, the Quaid-i-Azam Gold Cup took place regularly and over the years turned out to be the most glamorous event of the racing calendar. It has also attracted horses and jockeys from Lahore.

Reigning Champion Jockey of the Year, Mohammad Essa, galloped filly Fantastic Face to a one length victory over colt Al Faris in 12 furlongs race in a field of eight runners last year. He clocked two min 37 1/5 seconds.

In the preceding year, The First Lady with M. Nasir astride land the cup in a smart time of two min 35 4/5 seconds for the same distance.

According to acceptance, 10 horses are in line for the coveted title this year barring last minute withdrawls.—AZ