LRC to host six cup events paying tribute to armed forces martyrs

 LRC to host six cup events paying tribute to armed forces martyrs

 

Asher Butt

The Lahore Race Club is set to host six races today as part of its 2nd day winter meeting, paying homage to the martyrs of the armed forces. All six events will be cup races, five of which are named after recipients of the Nishan-e-Haider, while the final race honors Defence Day.

The five Nishan-e-Haider Cup races are named in memory of Naik Saif Ali Janjua, Hawaldar Lalak Jan, Sawar Muhammad Hussain, Captain Muhammad Sarwar, and Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfooz. The fifth race, the Naik Muhammad Mahfooz Cup, will be contested over 1100 meters, while all other races will be run over a mile.

The day's opening race, the Naik Saif Ali Janjua Shaheed Nishan-e-Haider Cup, features a Class VII and Division-VI&VII lineup. Silent Melody is the favorite, with Super Power expected to take second place. A surprise win could come from Pocket Power. The remaining runners include Royal Macs, Jalthal, Pride of Chandrai, and Fakhr-e-Sahi.

In the Hawaldar Lalak Jan Cup, featuring Class VII and Division-V&VI horses, Vitoria is the frontrunner. Zaman Sahib is poised to place, while Luckvir is a potential upset. Other participants include Absolutely Not, Al Mabrook, Monsoon Mischief, and Agha Prince.

The Sawar Muhammad Hussain Cup, the third race of the day, showcases Class VII and Division-IV competitors. Lady Champion is expected to win, with Apple of My Eye close behind. Generosity may deliver a surprise victory. Also in the lineup are Self Belief, Kuwait Edition, Fairy World, and Stardom.

The Captain Muhammad Sarwar Cup, the fourth race, features a field of nine horses in Class VII and Division-II&III. Desert Crown is the favorite, with Puerto Rico likely to place. Tahira is considered a long shot. Other competitors include Welcome Sardar, Wynx, Love Love, Yes Commander, Deedavar, and Shinning Moon.

The Naik Muhammad Mahfooz Cup, the fifth race, features Class VII and Division-I&II horses over 1100 meters. Farhan Prince is expected to lead the pack, with National Colour close behind. Enchanting One may surprise the field. The remaining runners are Western Lady, Maxi Macs, and Sehar.

The final event, the Defence Day Cup, features a Class VII and Division-VI&VII lineup. Galileo Lady is the favorite, with Flokey expected to take second place. Ubbi may deliver a surprise. Other contenders include Amazing Star, Merchant of Venus, Statue of Liberty, Sikandar Sapphire, and Abdullah The Great.