Underdog Echelon and Perfect Again triumph at Air Link Cups of LRC

 Underdog Echelon and Perfect Again triumph at Air Link Cups of LRC

Asher Butt

In a thrilling turn of events, underdog Echelon and Perfect Again claimed the Air Link Cups at Lahore Race Club on Sunday, delivering unexpected victories in an event marked by surprising outcomes. Sponsored by Air Link Communications Limited, the event saw Echelon take the spotlight with a sensational performance, securing a remarkable upset and capturing the prestigious title on a day mostly dominated by long-shot contenders. Flying Fire was the only favorite to secure a win.

The day began with Awais Love securing an early surprise victory over strong contenders like Gifts Of Gold, who took second place, and the relatively unknown Drago, who managed third. In another race, Zarbi displayed an impressive pace from the beginning, maintaining a consistent lead and outperforming rivals to secure the top spot. Sikander Sapphire surprised by finishing in second place, with Amigo close behind in third.

Echelon’s unexpected win in the Air Link Cup showcased its potential, especially since it wasn’t counted among the top favorites. Dominus, a favorite for a place position, lived up to expectations, while Quality Street completed the podium. In the fourth event of the day, Perfect Again demonstrated a strong gallop to secure its maiden win, with Luna Afzaal and Ronaq finishing in second and third, respectively.

In the fifth race, Flying Fire delivered an impressive late surge to claim victory, meeting expectations as one of the event’s few favorites. Meanwhile, Fairy World secured a place position, and Lady Champion, considered a long shot, surprised with a third-place finish.

The final race saw Puerto Rico achieve an unexpected win over favored competitors Wynx and Yesteryear, who finished in second and third places, respectively. This marked the close of an eventful day at Lahore Race Club, where the unpredictable outcomes underscored the excitement of the Air Link Cups.

Exciting Air Link Cups, Heer Sial Plates featured races of LRC

 Exciting Air Link Cups, Heer Sial Plates featured races of LRC

Asher Butt 

The Lahore Race Club’s winter meeting on Sunday promises an action-packed day for racegoers, with two Air Link Cups and four Heer Sial Plates lined up for the ninth day of the season. Sponsored by Air Link Communications Limited, the event brings together a mix of seasoned and maiden horses across different divisions and classes, creating an exciting roster of races for enthusiasts and participants alike.

The Air Link Cup races are the highlight of the event, featuring a combination of Class VI and VII horses in one race, and a maiden run of Thoroughbred and Half-Bred (TBP & HB) two-year-olds in another.

The Opening Race, Heer Sial Plate (Class VII & Division VII), Kicking off the event is a competitive nine-horse field. Silent Melody is expected to lead, with Gifts of Gold poised as a strong contender and Merchant of Venus as a potential dark horse. Other challengers include Awais Love, Jhanbaz, American Star, I Shall Lead, Drago, and Sarparast, each vying for the top spot.

The Second Race of Class VII & Division V & VI. This eight-horse race features Al Mabrook as the favorite, with Super Power and Zarbi tipped for place and fluke positions, respectively. Mafnood JR, Amigo, Royal Baby, Tango To Fire, and Sikandar Saphire complete the lineup, promising a fiercely competitive run.

In the Third Race, Air Link Cup comprise Class VII Division I and Class VI Division IV lineup. The first Air Link Cup of the day combines Class VI and Class VII horses, with Phantom emerging as the race favorite. Dominus and Quality Street are close behind, while Desert Crown, Flight Line, Echelon, Babar King, and Western Lady round out this high-stakes field.

The Fourth Race too is the Air Link Cup for Two-Year-Olds (TBP & HB). This maiden race for Thoroughbred and Half-Bred two-year-olds marks an exciting first outing for several promising contenders. Eight young horses, including Perfect Again, Distant Music, Sardar Bey, Luna Afzaal, Sultan, Nisha, Ronaq, and Set in Stone, are set to make their racing debut without a designated favorite, giving each a fair shot at victory.

In the Fifth Race, there are Class VII Division III & IV field. In this nine-horse race, Flying Fire is the favorite, with Zaman Sahib expected to place and Lady Champion marked as a fluke contender. Other competitors, Fairy World, Lalay De Jan, Thunder Boy, Public City, Putin, and Yes Commander, will aim to disrupt the favorites and claim the win.

The Class VII & Division II Closing the event is a thrilling lineup with Wynx favored to win, Puerto Rico positioned for a potential place, and Yesteryear as a wildcard. G-Three, Nazma Queen, Timeline, and Deedavar complete the eight-horse field, each bringing competitive energy to wrap up an exhilarating day at the Lahore Race Club.

With stakes high and favorites lined up against dark horses, the Air Link Cup and Heer Sial Plates are set to deliver thrilling finishes and surprises. Racing fans can look forward to a memorable day of competition as horses and jockeys give it their all on the track.

Verde One stages major upset to win Amigo Cup

 Verde One stages major upset to win Amigo Cup

Asher Butt 

In a dramatic turn of events, Verde One, a longshot, delivered the biggest upset of the day by clinching victory in the prestigious Amigo Cup at the Lahore Race Club on Sunday. With a late surge along the rail, Verde One overcame all competition, leaving racegoers stunned and securing a well-earned triumph in the day’s main event.

Surprises were the order of the day as all five races witnessed unexpected results, overturning the predictions of the pundits. Leading the charge were horses like Mafnood JR, Pocket Power, Deedawar, and Western Lady, all of whom outpaced the favourites with relative ease.

The day’s action began with disappointment as the opening race, a maiden run featuring eight new entrants, was cancelled due to insufficient competition. However, the excitement quickly picked up in the remaining five races.

Mafnood JR Kicks Off Surprises

In the first race, Mafnood JR delivered the first upset of the day, securing a comfortable win. Sikander Sapphire, the favourite, had to settle for second, while Silent Melody claimed third place on a fluke.

Pocket Power Stuns in Third Race

The surprises continued in the third race, where Pocket Power electrified the crowd with an unexpected win. Zaman Sahib placed second as a fluke, and Super Power, another surprise performer, took third.

Deedawar Topples Flying Fire in Fourth Race

In the fourth race, Deedawar stunned the bookmakers and fans alike by defeating favourite Flying Fire. The unexpected result saw Absolutely Not take second place, while Flying Fire could only manage third.

Verde One’s Triumph in Amigo Cup

The highlight of the day came in the Amigo Cup, where Verde One launched a late and powerful charge from the standside, defeating favourite Dawn to Dusk, who had to settle for second place. Money Heist, another outsider, completed the top three with a surprising third-place finish.

Western Lady Dominates Final Race

In the final race, Western Lady led from start to finish, leaving her challengers in the dust. Despite a strong performance from the favourite Blue Ash, who finished second, Western Lady’s "catch me if you can" tactics proved unbeatable. Fujairah secured third place, rounding off a day of remarkable upsets.

Jockey Awais Anjum’s Triple Triumph

It was also a day to remember for jockey Awais Anjum, who was in scintillating form, securing victories in three races while riding Mafnood JR, Pocket Power, and Deedawar.

Sunday’s racing event at the Lahore Race Club will be remembered for its unexpected twists, leaving the favourites scrambling and underdogs basking in the limelight.

Amigo Cup highlights 8th day of LRC’s winter meeting

 Amigo Cup highlights 8th day of LRC’s winter meeting

Asher Butt

The Lahore Race Club's 8th day winter meeting is set to take place  on Sunday, featuring the highly anticipated Amigo Cup as the main event. A total of six thrilling races are scheduled for the day, including five Bhalwal Plates, promising an action-packed afternoon for horse racing enthusiasts.

The Amigo Cup, a race featuring Class VII, Division I horses, stands out as the highlight. A competitive field of seven top-tier horses will battle it out over a 1300-metre distance, with Dawn to Dusk emerging as the favourite to clinch the title. National Colour is expected to place, while Verde One is being tipped as the fluke runner. The other contenders for the prestigious cup include Spartacus, Desert Crown, Flight Line, and Money Heist, all of whom are poised to put up a strong challenge.

 

First Race (Bhalwal Plate - Class VII, Division VI & VII - 1600 metres)

A maiden race with no declared favourite, making it a wide-open contest among: Sarparast, Jhanbaz, Rayaan Prince, Jawad Love, Annie Power, Al Karam, Doctor, and Flokey.

 

Second Race (Bhalwal Plate - Class VII, Division VI & VII - 1600 metres)

Sikandar Saphire is the favourite, with Merchant of Venus expected to place, while Silent Melody is marked as a fluke. The field also includes: Star Crown, American Star, Naveed-e-Sahar, Gifts of Gold, Mafnood JR, Sam Love, and Ubbi.

 

Third Race (Bhalwal Plate - Class VII, Division V & VI - 1600 metres)

Vartika is the favourite, with Mumraiz Prince as the expected placer, and Zaman Sahib is the fluke runner. Other participants are: Zarbi, Amigo, Super Power, and Pocket Power.

 

Fourth Race (Bhalwal Plate - Class VII, Division III & IV - 1600 metres)

Love Love leads as the favourite, with Lady Champion expected to place, and Flying Fire marked as a fluke. The rest of the lineup features: Lalay De Jan, Absolutely Not, Deedavar, Shining Moon, Hukam, and Generosity.

 

Fifth Race (Amigo Cup - Class VII, Division I - 1300 metres)

The main event of the day sees Dawn to Dusk as the favourite, with National Colour aiming for the place spot and Verde One expected as the fluke. Other challengers include: Spartacus, Desert Crown, Flight Line, and Money Heist.

 

Sixth Race (Bhalwal Plate - Class VII, Division II - 1300 metres)

Blue Ash is the favourite to win, with Fujairah expected to place, and Wynx tipped as the fluke. The rest of the field includes: Dubawi's Angel, Shair-e-Niaz Baig, Western Lady, Princess Sara, Timeline, and Puerto Rico.

 

With a mix of maiden, seasoned, and competitive horses, the day's races are expected to keep the crowd on the edge of their seats. The Amigo Cup in particular will see a clash of top contenders, all vying for glory on the prestigious Lahore Race Club track. The first race kicks off the day's events, leading up to the much-anticipated final race, which promises an exciting conclusion to a thrilling day of horse racing.

 

Big upsets mark thrilling day at LRC’s 7th Winter Meeting

 Big upsets mark thrilling day at LRC’s 7th Winter Meeting

Asher Butt

The Lahore Race Club (LRC) witnessed a day of unexpected results as several upsets unfolded in the highly anticipated 7th Winter Meeting held on Sunday, October 13th. The featured events—Welcome Winter Cup, Bon Voyage Cup, and Toru Khan Cup—saw underdogs stealing the spotlight, delivering a thrilling and unpredictable day of horse racing.

The day kicked off with the Montreaux Plate (Class VII, Division VII). Sikandar Saphire, the race favourite, lived up to expectations and secured first place with a strong finish. However, it was Silent Melody who surprised the field by claiming second place, while Merchant of Venus delivered another unexpected performance, finishing third. These upsets in the minor placings added an element of surprise right from the start.

The second race, the Montreaux Plate (Class VII, Division V & VI), saw the first major upset of the day when Vartika emerged victorious, beating the favourite Zaman Sahib, who settled for second place. Super Power, who was expected to take second place, ended up in third, rounding off a race full of surprises.

The upsets continued in the featured Welcome Winter Cup (Class VII, Division II). In a dramatic race, Down To Dusk stunned everyone by taking the cup, leaving the favourite Sehar out of the winning positions. Fujairah, another surprise performer, took second place, while Blue Ash claimed third in a race that saw all the favourites missing from the top spots.

In the fourth race of the day, the Montreaux Plate (Class VII, Division I), more upsets followed as Quality Street emerged victorious, defeating the favourite Babar King, who had to settle for third place. Dominus delivered a strong performance to finish second, marking yet another surprise for punters.

The Bon Voyage Cup, a term race for two-year-olds, kept the theme of upsets alive. Hi Volt pulled off a surprising victory, leaving pre-race favourite expectations in the dust. Brigadier finished second, while Perfect Again came third, both delivering unexpected results that left fans and punters amazed.

The day’s sixth race, the Toru Khan Cup (Class V), saw a stunning win from Sundari, a horse initially considered a long shot, but proving her strength by taking first place. Manat followed in second, while Macs King managed to claim third, both delivering surprise finishes that completed a day full of shocks.

The final race of the day, a Montreaux Plate (Class VII, Division III & IV), provided some balance for punters as Black Tiger, the race favourite, came through with a dominant win. However, the surprises were not over, as Lady Champion finished second, while Luckvir, considered a fluke, grabbed third, closing out the day with an unexpected twist.

LRC Secretary Shahzad Akhtar, reflecting on the day’s racing, remarked, "Today’s races were a testament to the unpredictable nature of this sport. Fans witnessed some extraordinary performances from horses that were not heavily favoured, making this one of the most exciting days of our Winter Meeting."

The 7th Winter Meeting will be remembered for its upsets, with underdog horses taking control in the major races, leaving punters and fans eager to see what surprises future races hold.

PSB asks PHF for details of unclear finances and unpaid bills

 PSB asks PHF for details of unclear finances and unpaid bills

The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has taken a strong stance against the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) in an attempt to ensure transparency and responsible financial management. According to sources, the PSB has issued a letter to the PHF demanding detailed explanations of their expenditures for the financial year 2023-2024.

The letter asked the PHF to provide: “a comprehensive audit of all PHF expenses incurred between January and August 2024. The PHF is required to provide a breakdown of all expenses, with each document signed by the PHF president. Only documents bearing the president's signature will be considered valid.

“The PSB has issued a stern warning that all future official correspondence from the PHF must be signed by the president.”

This move by the PSB comes after reports of the PHF facing a power cut due to non-payment of a hefty electricity bill exceeding Rs 69 lakh (approximately $41,000). The Punjab Hockey Association office also reportedly suffered a power outage due to an unpaid bill of Rs 5 lakh (approximately $3,000).

While PHF officials have complained about a lack of funds, they have assured that efforts are underway to restore electricity by arranging the necessary payments as soon as possible.

LRC’s 7th winter meeting has exciting races lined up for Sunday

 LRC’s 7th winter meeting has exciting races lined up for Sunday

Asher Butt

LAHORE: The Lahore Race Club (LRC) is gearing up for a day of high-octane horse racing as it hosts the 7th day of its Winter Meeting 2024-2025 on Sunday, October 13th. With seven races scheduled, the day promises to be a treat for racing enthusiasts, featuring four Montreaux Plates, along with the prestigious Welcome Winter Cup, Bon Voyage Cup, and Toru Khan Cup. The event will showcase both seasoned champions and promising newcomers, making for an action-packed day.

The first race of the day, the Montreaux Plate (Class VII, Division-VII), will see 11 horses competing, with Sikandar Saphire marked as the clear favourite. Gifts of Gold is expected to take second place, while Galileo Lady is considered the race’s dark horse, with potential for an upset. Other notable contenders include Rayaan Prince, Jhanbaz, Mini Strom, Mafnood JR, Ubbi, Silent Melody, Merchant of Venus, and I Shall Lead.

In the second race, also a Montreaux Plate (Class VII, Division V & VI), the field will feature another 11 participants. Zaman Sahib is tipped to win, while Super Power is expected to challenge for second place. Mumraiz Prince is identified as a potential fluke. Competitors like American Star, Bilal Prince, Jawad Love, Vartika, Star Crown, Khanum Princess, Capital City, and Royal Baby add depth to the race, ensuring tight competition.

The highlight of the early races, the Welcome Winter Cup (Class VII, Division II), will see 10 horses vying for victory. Sehar is the front-runner for the cup, with Yesteryear expected to take second place. Racing fans are also keeping an eye on Dubawi’s Angel as a potential surprise contender. The race will also feature the likes of Western Lady, Dawn To Dusk, Fujairah, Hero, Timeline, Blue Ash, and Puerto Rico, ensuring a fierce contest.

The fourth race, another Montreaux Plate (Class VII, Division I), will pit nine horses against one another. Babar King is the race favourite, with Flight Line predicted to secure second place. However, Verde One could upset the favourites with a strong performance. Other contenders such as National Colour, Desert Crown, Winx, Dominus, Quality Street, Jhoom will be looking to leave their mark in this highly competitive race.

The Bon Voyage Cup, a term race for two-year-olds, promises a glimpse of the future stars of horse racing. While no favourites have been declared, the race will feature nine exciting young horses, including Brigadier, Flash, HI Volt, Perfect Again, Gabriela, Kit Kat, Luna Afzaal, Parlay For Two, and Star Light. Racing fans will be eager to see which of these horses emerges as a potential future champion.

In the day’s penultimate event, the Toru Khan Cup (Class V), six horses will compete for the coveted title. Enchanting One is expected to lead the pack, with Trigger looking strong for a second-place finish. Sundari is considered the race’s wild card. Other competitors, including Manat, Murad, and Macs King add further intrigue to this closely contested race.

The final race of the day, a Montreaux Plate (Class VII, Division III & IV), will see eight horses vying for top honours. Black Tiger is the favourite to win, while Absolutely Not is tipped to take second place. Luckvir is regarded as a fluke that could surprise the field. The race will also feature Lalay De Jan, Fairy World, Lady Champion, Deedavar, and Shining Moon ensuring a dramatic finish to the day’s events.

LRC Secretary Shahzad Akhtar expressed his excitement about the event, saying, "This day promises to be an exciting one for horse racing fans. With a diverse range of races and talented horses competing, we're looking forward to a day of thrilling sport and great performances."

The 7th Winter Meeting promises to be a spectacular day of horse racing, with something for every fan to enjoy. Racing enthusiasts and punters alike will not want to miss out on the drama and excitement that Sunday has in store.

Pakistan-England’s Multan showdown sets stage for crucial Test series

 First Test Preview:

Pakistan-England’s Multan showdown sets stage for crucial Test series

Asher Butt

As Pakistan and England prepare to lock horns in the first Test of a three-match series starting Monday, October 7, at the Multan Cricket Stadium, both teams find themselves at critical junctures in their Test cricket journeys.

Pakistan has showed determination to end their 10-match winless streak at home. Pakistan, coming off a shocking 2-0 defeat to Bangladesh at home - their first-ever Test series loss to the Tigers - are desperate to regain their footing. The host nation's recent form has been concerning, with no wins in their last 10 home Tests. However, the return of all-rounder Aamer Jamal and spinner Abrar Ahmed provides a glimmer of hope for the struggling side.

Besides, Shaheen Shah Afridi has been reinstated to the team, leading a three-pronged seam attack alongside Naseem Shah and Jamal.

Their last Test victory on home soil came against South Africa in Rawalpindi in February 2021. Since then, Pakistan has endured a dry spell, losing six matches and drawing four – their longest winless run since earning Test status in 1952.

Since that 2021 victory, Pakistan has played 23 Tests overall, securing just eight wins – two each against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, three against Sri Lanka, and one against the West Indies. They’ve suffered 11 defeats, including four to Australia, one each to Sri Lanka and the West Indies, three to England and two to Bangladesh. The remaining four Tests, all drawn, were against Australia and New Zealand.

Skipper Shan Masood faces mounting pressure to deliver results. With a top six packed with talent, including the likes of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan's batting lineup is theoretically on par with England's in terms of ball-striking ability. The challenge for Masood will be to harness this potential and translate it into match-winning performances.

However, the Pakistan team is now focused on putting the past behind them, determined to show resilience and pride, not just for themselves but for their passionate fans and stakeholders. When these two sides last met at the Multan Cricket Stadium, England secured a hard-fought 26-run victory. But Pakistan can take positives from that game – England will be without key pacers James Anderson (retired), Ollie Robinson (not selected), and Mark Wood (injured), while captain Ben Stokes is still recovering from a hamstring injury.

Captain Shan Masood and coach Jason Gillespie have been candid about the need to leave poor results behind and begin Pakistan’s resurgence as a top cricketing nation.

“We have a huge opportunity to turn things around against England, and we’re looking to make a strong start in Multan,” Masood said earlier in the week. “The team is excited, and we’re hoping for memorable results.

“I assure you, everyone is eager for a comeback and to take Pakistan cricket in the right direction. Pressure is a privilege – leading your country is an honor, but it also comes with responsibility. If the results are good, I’ll stay on, and if not, I’ll face the consequences. I don’t shy away from challenges, and this upcoming series is definitely one of them.

Gillespie echoed these sentiments: “Facing a team like England is exciting. Playing on home soil is a great opportunity, and we believe we match up well against them, though they’re a strong side. Our focus will be on disciplined, consistent Test cricket. If we stick to our plans and remain patient, the results will come.

“Our players love representing Pakistan in Test cricket and take immense pride in inspiring our supporters. We’re ready for this challenge,” he said on the PCB Podcast. “We know England’s evolved their game, but we’ll play our way – disciplined and strategic. When opportunities arise, we’ll seize them.”

Gillespie said optimistically: “People are writing us off, and that’s fine – it just motivates the boys even more. We’ll give our best, and hopefully, the results will follow.”

England, on the other hand, enter the series as favorites, riding high on their recent 2-1 victory against Sri Lanka. The visitors, however, will be without their talismanic captain Ben Stokes for the first Test due to a hamstring injury. In his absence, Ollie Pope will take on the leadership role, adding an intriguing dimension to England's "Bazball" approach under head coach Brendon McCullum.

The pitch at Multan Cricket Stadium is expected to favor batsmen initially, with spinners likely to play a crucial role as the match progresses. England's decision to include two specialist spinners in their playing eleven suggests they anticipate significant turn. This strategy could prove decisive, especially considering Abrar Ahmed's success against England in 2022, where he claimed 17 wickets in two Tests.

Key players to watch include Joe Root, who is on the verge of breaking Alastair Cook's record for most Test runs for England, needing just 72 runs to achieve this milestone. For Pakistan, much attention will be on Aamer Jamal, whose impressive showing against Australia has raised expectations.

The weather in Multan is forecasted to be clear and sunny throughout the Test, with temperatures hovering around 36-37 degrees Celsius. This should provide ideal conditions for cricket, barring any unexpected changes.

Historical head-to-head statistics slightly favor England, with 28 wins to Pakistan's 21 in their 88 encounters. However, with 39 draws, the rivalry has often been closely contested.

Despite England's recent success and Pakistan's struggles, many cricket pundits are cautioning against writing off the home team. Pakistan's ability to bounce back from adversity is well-documented, and the pressure of facing England often brings out their best cricket.

Currently Pakistan is placed eighth in the World Test Championship standings, and England is in fourth.

As the teams prepare for this crucial opener, both sides are aware of the series' importance in the context of their Test cricket aspirations. For Pakistan, it's a chance to silence critics and reassert their dominance at home. For England, it's an opportunity to prove that their aggressive "Bazball" approach can succeed in subcontinental conditions too.

With the stage set for an enthralling contest, a fascinating Test series between two of the sport's most unpredictable and exciting teams is expected to unfold.

Playing XI for first Test:

Pakistan - Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmad

England - Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (captain), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir

Inam, Shahmeer clinch net, gross titles of Chief of the Naval Staff Amateur Golf

 Inam, Shahmeer clinch net, gross titles of Chief of the Naval Staff Amateur Golf

Asher Butt

Inamul Haque Malik and Shahmeer Majid remained in the forefront throughout the day in net and gross to land with the respective titles of the tournament here on Sunday.

The 10th Chief of the Naval Staff Amateur Net Shield Golf Tournament came to a thrilling close in Lahore, with Vice Admiral Owais Ahmed Bilgrami, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, presiding over the closing ceremony as the chief guest. The three-day event, held from October 4-6, 2024, at the prestigious Defence Raya Golf & Country Club, showcased top amateur golfing talent from across Pakistan.

Inamul Haque Malik of Rawalpindi Golf Club emerged as the overall winner of the tournament, clinching the first net position with a total score of 211 over three rounds. The competition was fierce, with Shahmeer Majid from Raya Golf Club securing the first gross position with a score of 220.

The tournament featured an impressive field of 37 amateur golfers competing across various categories, including Men's, Women's, and Seniors. Notable performances included M. Abdullah Khan from Raya, who claimed the second gross position with a score of 226, and Ahmad Zafar Hayat from Gymkhana, finishing third in gross with 227. In the net category, Ahmad Nawaz Tiwana from Royal Palm secured the second position with a score of 213, while Rafqat Hussain from Royal Palm took the third spot with 214.

During the closing ceremony, Vice Admiral Bilgrami commended the efforts of the organizers, sponsors, media, and the Defence Raya Golf & Country Club for successfully hosting the event. He emphasized the Pakistan Navy's commitment to promoting healthy activities in the country through sports, stating that the Navy would utilize all available resources to provide golf and other sports training facilities to the youth.

The Vice Admiral highlighted the importance of such tournaments in nurturing talent and fostering a competitive spirit among amateur golfers. He expressed his satisfaction with the high level of play witnessed during the three-day event and the growing interest in golf across Pakistan.

In addition to the main amateur categories, the tournament also featured notational matches, adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition. The event drew a large crowd, including civil and military personalities, sponsors, and golf enthusiasts, underscoring the tournament's significance in the Pakistani golfing calendar.

The success of the 10th Chief of the Naval Staff Amateur Net Shield Golf Tournament not only showcased the golfing talent in Pakistan but also reinforced the Pakistan Navy's role in promoting sports and healthy lifestyles. As the tournament concluded, participants and spectators alike looked forward to future editions, anticipating even greater competition and camaraderie on the greens.

The event's success and the Navy's commitment to sports development paint a promising picture for the future of golf and other sports in Pakistan, with the hope of nurturing world-class athletes who can represent the country on international platforms.

Phantom stuns with victory in Autumn Cup as dark horses dominate at LRC

 Phantom Stuns with Victory in Autumn Cup as Dark Horses Dominate at Lahore Race Club

Asher butt

LAHORE: The Autumn Cup at the Lahore Race Club delivered unexpected results on Sunday, with Phantom emerging as the surprise winner in a day where dark horses dominated. Though Money Heist, the pre-race favorite, lived up to expectations, the day was marked by several upsets, with underdogs outperforming the favorites across multiple races.

Race 1: Maiden Victory for Khanum Princess

The opening race of the day, a maiden run, saw Khanum Princess claim victory, while Zuza and King Asia took second and third places, respectively. The race introduced a new champion in Khanum Princess, kicking off the day's series of upsets.

Race 2: Vitoria Surprises, Zamana Sahib Takes Second

In the second race, Vitoria leaped ahead from its expected position to clinch first place, beating out the favorite, Zamana Sahib, who settled for second. Super Power, a fluke entry, secured the third position, adding to the day’s unexpected results.

Race 3: Sehar Wins on Fluke

The third race also saw a fluke victory with Sehar claiming first place. Absolutely Not came in second, surprising many, while the favorite, Lady Champion, had to settle for third, continuing the trend of dark horses disrupting the odds.

Race 4: Phantom Shocks in Autumn Cup

The prestigious Autumn Cup saw an unexpected outcome as Phantom galloped to victory, defying predictions. Flight Line surprised by taking second place, and Maxi Max, another dark horse, secured third. Phantom’s stunning performance caught many by surprise, overshadowing the favorites in the race.

Race 5: Money Heist Holds Its Ground

The day ended with one of the few expected outcomes as the favorite, Money Heist, lived up to its reputation, securing first place in the fifth race. Wynx, predicted to surprise, came in second, while Yesteryear held on to third place.

The Autumn Cup event was a thrilling spectacle, marked by unexpected winners and dark horses rising to the occasion, creating an exciting day for racing enthusiasts at Lahore Race Club.

Autumn Cup main feature of LRC’s 6th day winter meeting

Autumn Cup main feature of LRC’s 6^th winter meeting

Asher Butt

LAHORE: The Lahore Race Club is set to host an exciting day of horse racing Sunday (today) as part of its 6th day winter meeting. The highlight of the event is the prestigious Autumn Cup, accompanied by four Kashmir Plate races, promising a thrilling experience for racing enthusiasts.

The Autumn Cup, a Class VII and Division-I race, is the fourth event of the day and features seven top-class competitors. Speed of Fire is tipped as the potential frontrunner, with Phantom expected to provide fierce competition. Maxi Macs is seen as a dark horse that could surprise spectators. Other formidable contenders include Winx, Quality Street, Flight Line, and Varde One, all capable of claiming victory.

The day's program includes four Kashmir Plate races, each offering its own set of thrills.

The opening race, a maiden run for Class VII and Division VI&VII horses, features a field of ten with no clear favorite. Contenders include Bilal Prince, King Asia, Jawad Love, and Latin Strom, among others like Rayaan Prince, Annie Power, Zuza, Abdullah The Great, Ubbi and Merchant of Venus..

The second race, for Class VII and Division-V,VI&VII, sees Zaman Sahib as the favorite, with Vitoria considered the second-best. Super Power is marked as a potential surprise in this eight-horse field that also has Pocket Power, Silent Melody, Royal Baby, Flokey and Khanum Princess.

In the third race, Lady Champion leads a field of nine in the Class VII and Division-III&IV category. Public City is considered the closest challenger, with Sehar expected to mount a strong challenge. Remaining participants are Welcome Sardar, Deedavar, Generosity, Fairy World, Absolutely Not and Kuwait Edition.

The final race of the day, a Class VII and Division-II&III event, has Money Heist as the expected winner. Yesteryear is tipped for a place finish, while Wynx could provide a surprise in this nine-horse race. The field also includes Western Lady, Tahira, Puerto Rico, Luna Afzaal, Thunder Boy, and Tatla Rule.

 

A Day of Unpredictable Outcomes

"This Sunday's races promise to be particularly exciting, with several races lacking clear favorites," said Rashid Khan, a racing analyst. "The maiden race and the Autumn Cup, in particular, could see some surprising results. It's a day where anything can happen on the track."

The first race is scheduled to begin at 2:30 PM, with the Autumn Cup expected to run at approximately 4:00 PM. Race enthusiasts are advised to arrive early to secure the best viewing spots for what promises to be an action-packed day of horse racing at the Lahore Race Club.