LAHORE: Bay colt Pakistani Star scorched his way in to Pakistan Derby history producing a scintillating burst of speed to land the premier classic of 2023, run over 2400 metres, in record fastest timing at the Racecourse here on Sunday.

The winner, trained by Alimuddin and owned by Haji Choudhry Asghar Ali, was guided to an easy six lengths triumph by jockey Safdar Hussain in the sports richest ever prize.

The son of English sire Galactic Star lived up to his star billing to beat nearest rival bay colt Sea Bird with the filly Queen third, another eight lengths back while co-favourite Tufaan ridden by an English jockey, John Egan, who had specially been invited to ride the colt completed the frame, in wide contrast to his favouritism after having won six races in nine starts. Nine ran for the coveted Derby.

The top prized race for three-year-old, the National Breeders Cup run over 1400 metres was won in a majestic style by rank outside colt, Jim And Tonic trained by A. B. Malik and ridden by veteran jockey Aamir Pervez.

Owned by Wali Mohammad Awan, the chestnut colt beat favourite bay filly Leisure Trip by a length with the colts, Khokhar One and Jhoom, close third and fourth, respectively.

Bay horse Naymar, ridden by Abdullah Aamir, won the Stewards Cup showing his class in a handicap race for class VI horses. The winner had to call on all his noted speed and stamina to overcome str­ong challenge from bay filly Fox Trot in home stretch.

The LRC cup was won by bay colt Fast And Furious, who edged out bay colt Rebirth at the finish line by a short margin of a neck. Bay colt Shaman finished third with favourite horse Sword Of Faateh completing the frame. The bay gelding caused an upset winning the Jockey Club Of Pakistan (JCP) Cup run over 1100 metres.

Published in Dawn, March 6th, 2023