Pakistan Derby 2024 set to thrill Lahore Racecourse today

Pakistan Derby 2024 set to thrill Lahore Racecourse today

Asher Butt

The 27th day winter meeting of the Lahore Race Club for the 2023-24 season will culminate with the much-anticipated Pakistan Derby 2024, a highlight of the equine sport, scheduled for Sunday (today). The race day boasts a card of 10 races, with the Pakistan Derby being the sixth race of the day, accompanied by nine other cup events, with each of them carrying its own significance and competitiveness.

Racing enthusiasts were eagerly awaiting the event, with top contenders vying for victory. As in the prestigious Pakistan Derby, a dedicated competition for Pakistani colts and fillies foaled in 2020, aged four years, 15 participants will compete in a challenging 2400 meters run. The main contender, Jim And Tonic, faces competition from strong opponents like Last Emperor and Spartacus. Posing potential challenges are Columbus, Jhoom, Sarpanch, Ex Gambler (KRC), Leisure Trip, Farhan King, Redrock, Marryshah Star, Hizar, Raghu Bhai, Shakira, and Western Lady, all vying for glory in the 2400-meter race.

The day's racing action kicks off with the Event 360 Cup of Class-VII and Division-VII, featuring 18 participants. Abdullah Champion is the favorite, with Sultan Jahaniya and Merchant of Venus coming up with a potential surprise. While strong contenders among the field are Amigo, Mafnood JR, Star Crown, Sam Love, Galileo Lady, Jhanbaz, Sultana, Minister, Pocket Power, Olympians Beauty, Malik Prince, Kara Macs, Varteka, Capital City and Silent Melody.

The second race, the Zofeur Cup of Class-VII and Division-V&VI, includes 18 participants, with Luckvir, Al Adba, and Handsome among the top contenders. Expect a tough challenge also from Oil Nasheen, Abdullah Love, Niazi Princess, Fakhar-e-Sahi, Royal Macs, Gifts of Gold, Black Master, Desert Parri, Dill Lagi, Flying Fire, Black Tiger, Absolutely Not, Puerto Rico, Big O and Macs.

The third race, the Macs Cup, is a Class-VII and Division-III&IV race with 18 participants. Wonder Woman, Apple of My Eye, and Deedavar are leading the pack and would be expecting stiff fight from Sehar, Danzora, Samore City, Winning Colours, Shining Moon, Lady Champion, Blazing Fire, Timeline, Super Power, Bio Care, Jalpana Prince, Tully Princess, Moon One, Yes Commander and Al Mujali.

The Jockey Club of Pakistan Cup is the fourth race, featuring 12 Class-VII and Division-II participants, with Hamas as the favorite while Acknowledge and Feel My Love are closest challengers. Others vying for honour are Wynx, Shareeka, Winx, Elle Macs, Swift Retort (KRC), Dubai's Angel, Flight Line, Powerful Wings, Proa Spirit, and Striking Killer.

The fifth race is the National Breeders Cup, a Term Race for 3-Year-Olds. Good Paymaster, Dila Awaiz, and Sardar are top contenders in the field of 12 which also has Verde One, Money Heist, Golden Market, Fujairah, Marryshah Secret, Victoria (KRC), Mughal-e-Azam, Prodigal Rain and Enchanting One.

The much-anticipated sixth event is the Pakistan Derby 2024, featuring 15 participants carries a win purse of four million rupees with a trophy while the runnerup will be given 1.3 and Rs 600,000 for the third place.

The Country Bred Champion Cup, which is the seventh race that has Samson, Zaman Sahib, and J-K as the top contenders. A supported event by AS Saqlain Real Estate And Builders, has another contentious field includes Haseeb Queen, Wattoo Choice, Mumraiz Love, Kuwait Currency, and others.

The eighth race, the Stewards Cup of Class-VI and VII and Division-I, features 10 participants, with Addar as the favorite. And could be closely challenged by Manat and Macs King. The challenge can also be expected from, Cheer Leader (KRC), La Belle, Galactica, Qaswa Princess, Phantom, Punch Line (KRC), and Naymar.

The ninth race is the LRC Cup, a Class-VII and Division-I event, with Sincere Approach, Bella Veste, Murad, and others competing Welcome Sardar, Trigger, Maxi Macs, Golden Joy, Alpha, Sargent, and Shaman.

The day concludes with the Champion Stakes Cup of Class-VII and Division-II, where National Colour, Adira, Mera Gondal, and other participants including Zindabad, Love Love, Zarpash, Casper, Generosity, Desert Crown, Kuwait Edition (KRC), Mark My Words, Arrogate, Elizabeth, Big Dream and Drums Of War aim for victory.

The Pakistan Derby 2024 day promises an exciting and competitive atmosphere at the Lahore Race Club, with top-class horses and jockeys vying for supremacy in their respective races. Racing enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the outcomes of each event as the winter meeting reaches its pinnacle.