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KARACHI, Aug 4: The controversial Saligna, after putting up a suspicious performance last week registered an impressive win at the Karachi Summer Meeting held Sunday at Race Course.
Only last week, the stewards had announced change of rider but in fact the filly was ridden by the original rider declared in the morning.
The stewards conniving with the connection failed to announce that the order for the change of rider had been reversed. On Sunday the connection backed her with confidence and the filly won like a champion.
The best feature of Saligna’s win was a beautiful riding by Abdul Raheem who exhibited perfect use of heel and whip and perfect seat on the mount. Such riding has become a rare thing at Karachi. One wished that such riders are encouraged.
The opening event was won by Small Wonder, in what looked a farce as the winner beat his next rival by lengths and the third and fourth horses finished distance behind. It was a poor reflection on the administrative control of the stewards, who it appeared were a party to the farce.
The second race provided a good fight between two well- backed horses Flying Bird and Welcome Shahtab which the former won by a short margin because of poor handling by Nasim Ahmad astride Welcome Shahtab.
The victory of Flying Bird enabled trainer Mansoor Alam record a good double as he had earlier sent out Small Wonder.
In the third race Maha Sagar won from pillar to post beating Neelam Taab by three lengths. Knight Fighter after being well supported by the followers of form failed to figure even on the board. He kept up his reputation of being an inconsistent performer.
Royal Fantasy won the fifth race in a common canter recording her second successive win. The last race on the card was unceremoniously cancelled by the stewards. It was announced on the public address system that, for lack of competition, the stewards have cancelled the race. The reasoning held little logic.
The next race will be held on Thursday, Aug 8.
The following are the results:
AUGUST PLATE DIV G-II - ABT 5F
Small Wonder (Mr. Ahmad Ali) 8-12 Nisar Ahmad 1, Simple Prayer 8-5 Naveed 2, Zabyan 9-0 Mujahid Ali 3, Superb Star 8-13 Dasrat 4.
Also ran: Shehroz-e-Sehar, Jamaima, Lightin Arrow, Classic Beauty, Guriya Phool, Jubiliant Action, Millennium Banl.
Won by: 5L, Dist, Dist. Time 1 Min 8-2/5 secs. Winner trained by Mansoor Alam.
AUGUST PLATE DIV G-I - ABT 5F
Flying Bird Mr. Agha Noman 9-4 Arshad 1, Welcome Shahtab 7-13 Nasim Ahmad 2, Mark 9-1 Tehseen Husain 3, Bach Fly 8-5 M. Bashir 4.
Also ran: Shahdad Star, Hiawatha, Venturis Arrow, Rich Valiant, Dil Faraib, Sunday Picnic, Kali Nagan, Lord of Lords, Sachin, Sjow Stopper, Royal Romance, Pearl, Jadeem, Miss Ruby.
Won by: 3/4 L, 6-1/2 L, 9-1/2 L. Time 1 Min 7-1/5 secs. Winner trained by Mansoor Alam.
AUGUST PLATE DIV VII GROUP II - ABT 5F
Maha Sagar (Mr. Amir Sultan) 8-7 Shafi Mohammad 1, Neelam Taab 8-4 Muzaffar H 2, Lover’s Line 8-3 M. Yousuf 3, Dushtiyani 8-1 Ghulam Shabbir 4.
Also ran: Shah Rose, Knight Fighter, Quick Mover, Reincarnated, Order of The day, Tennyson, I’m So Happy, Sajan Black, Millennium Magic.
Won by: 3 L, 4-1/2 L, 5-1/4 L. Time 1 Min 5-1/5 secs. Winner trained by Taj Mohammad.
AUGUST PLATE DIV VII GROUP I - ABT 5F
Saligna (Mr. Athar Karim) 8-8 Abdul Raheem 1, Navaho Princess 8-8 Zahid Faiz 2, Guarantee 8-13 Mazhar 3, Brave Shah 8-11 Nadeem Akhtar 4.
Also ran: Racing Leader, Dauntless, Mickey Mikado II, Raqeeb-e-Azam, Sardar, Sulman Love, Son of None, Lover’s Life.
Won by: 2-1/2 L, 3/4 L, 7 L. Time 1 Min 4-2/5 secs.
Winner trained by M. Rafiq.
AUGUST PLATE DIV VI - ABT 5F
Royal Fantasy (Makhdoom Hasan Raza) 8-8 Kashif Qamar 1, Donatello 9-1 Shahzad 2, Show Time 8-11 Nadeem Akhtar 3, Giselle 8-1 Bashir K. 4.
Also ran: Heed My Speed, Slim Fit, Miss World, Golden News.
Won by: 7 L, 2-1/2 L, 2-1/4 L. Time 1 Min. 4-2/5 secs. Winner trained by Talib Husain.
AUGUST PLATE O ABT 6F
Declared null and void.
