Excitement builds with eight race card at LRC for Sunday

Excitement builds with eight race card at LRC for Sunday

Asher Butt

LAHORE: The 14th day winter meeting of the Lahore Race Club promises an action-packed Sunday with eight thrilling races, including three maiden contests and six plates.

The highlight of the day is the Malik Hamid Ali Noon Memorial Cup, a term race for two-year-old Thoroughbred and Half-Bred horses making their debut over 1200 meters.

The opening race, the Tuman Khan Plate (Class VII, Division-VI & VII), features 13 runners, with Sarparast as the favorite, Maika Jan expected for place, and Latin Storm poised for a surprise. Other Contenders are Awais Prince, Smart Fighter, Jhanbaz, Well Regard, Abdullah The Great, Elon Musk, Rafter, Flokey, Miss Shelby, Mustang.

The second race, another maiden affair, sees Anni Power leading predictions, with Amigo and Ehsan Queen as strong contenders. The field also includes Gennie, Star Crown, Mafnood JR, Mags, Pride of Chandral, Jallal, Gifts of Gold.

In the third race (Class VII, Division-V & VI), Awais Love is the top pick, with Agha Prince and Zaman Sahib close behind. Remaining field has Tango To Fire, Al Mashook, Stardom, Drago.

The Malik Hamid Ali Noon Memorial Cup includes promising debutants Baaeed, Loud And Clear, Nostalgic, Statesman, Luna Afzal, and Princess Sara.

The fifth race (Class VII, Division-III & IV) has Hamas as the favorite, followed by Flying Fire and Flight Line. Competition may also come from Khokar One, Haidar Prince, Brooklyn, Naymar, Western Lady, Wyne, Moni Prince, and Husn-e-Behram.

The sixth race (Class VII, Division-II) is another maiden contest, featuring Hero, Sarkar Raj, Princess Noor, Gabriela, G-Three with no clear favorite.

The seventh race (Class VII, Division-III & IV) highlights Kuwait Edition as the front-runner, while Gul-e-Jalal and Timeline could offer stiff competition. Other Contenders are Deedava, Black Bird, Shareeka, M.S. Spirit, Treasure Trap, and Jack.

The final race of the day (Class VII, Division-IV & V) sees Zarbi as the favorite, with Vitoria and Yes Commander vying for the top spots alongside nine other contenders which are Public City, Lalay De Jan, Blazing Fire, Self Belle, Generosity, Jashn-e-Baharan, and Dil Nasheen.

With seasoned runners and debutants competing, the day promises excitement and surprises for racing enthusiasts, especially in the much-anticipated Malik Hamid Ali Noon Memorial Cup, which remains the crown jewel of the day, showcasing young talent in a maiden 1200-meter run.

Spectators can expect a blend of experience, strategy, and surprises as these skilled thoroughbreds vie for glory at the Lahore Race Club.

Favourites shine with upsets adding thrill at Lahore Race Club

 Favourites shine with upsets adding thrill at Lahore Race Club

 

Asher Butt

The Lahore Race Club witnessed an action-packed day on Sunday as favourites dominated most of the eight-race card. However, the event wasn’t without surprises, with three unexpected upsets adding to the excitement.

 

In the three feature races, Quality Street and Dhafir justified their favourites’ tags with commanding wins in the Khalid Bin Waleed Cup and the Tariq Aziz Memorial Cup, respectively. However, the Royal Hero Cup took an unexpected turn as Veste One stunned the crowd by defeating heavily favoured contenders. Hamas and Maxi Macs secured second and third positions in the race, further shaking predictions.

 

The day began with Zain Prince clinching victory in the opening race, overcoming long odds. Sarparast and Malka Jan followed in second and third positions, respectively. In the second race, Drago delivered a dominant performance, while Naveed-e-Sahar and Gifts Of Gold secured the next two spots, with Naveed-e-Sahar emerging as a surprise runner-up. The third race saw Kuwait Edition, originally a place contender, rise to victory. Pocket Power secured second place, and Yes Commander claimed an unexpected third position.

 

The Khalid Bin Waleed Cup solidified Quality Street’s status as a favourite, with Trigger finishing second and Prodigal Rain delivering a surprise by taking third place. Similarly, the Tariq Aziz Memorial Cup witnessed Dhafir winning as expected, with Acknowledge and Suspicious One securing second and third places, respectively.

 

The biggest upset of the day came in the Royal Hero Cup, where Veste One galloped to victory, pushing fluke entrant Hamas to second place and Maxi Macs to a surprising third. In the seventh race, Flightline clinched a confident win, while Winx and Shakira unexpectedly took the next two positions. The eighth and final race saw Gul-e-Jalal dominate with a clear lead, followed by Putin in second and Timeline in third.

 

The combination of predictable outcomes and thrilling upsets ensured an engaging day for horse racing enthusiasts, leaving spectators eagerly anticipating the next event at the Lahore Race Club.

Lahore Race Club to host action-packed eight races featuring three prestigious cups

 Lahore Race Club to host action-packed eight races featuring three prestigious cups

Asher Butt

The Lahore Race Club is set to host the 13th Winter Meeting 2024-25 on Sunday, featuring a thrilling lineup of eight races. The highlight of the day will be three prestigious cup events: the Khalid Bin Waleed Cup, the Tariq Aziz Memorial Cup, and the Royal Hero Cup, accompanied by five competitive Gwadar Plates, promising an exciting spectacle for horse racing enthusiasts.

The Khalid Bin Waleed Cup, the fourth race of the day, will feature top-class horses from Class VI over a 1200-meter distance. Trigger leads the pack as the favorite, with Quality Street and Royal Salute expected to pose stiff competition. Other strong contenders include Leisure Trip, Sandari, Macs King, Prodigal Rain, and Addar.

The fifth race, the Tariq Aziz Memorial Cup, also a Class VI event over 1200 meters, showcases the prowess of Dhafir, tipped as the favorite. Princess Rukhtas and Suspicious One are marked as place and fluke, respectively, with Yesteryear, Feel My Love, and Acknowledge completing the lineup.

The Royal Hero Cup, the sixth race of the day, is a Class VII Division-I race over 1200 meters. Farhan Prince is the standout favorite, with Haidar Prince and Hamas identified as place and fluke. The other contenders in the race include Brooklyn, Naymar, Maxi Macs, National Colour, Western Lady, and Veste One, ensuring a competitive clash.

The day will also feature five Gwadar Plates. The opening race, a maiden run for Class VII Division-VI & VII horses, includes 11 three- to four-year-old horses, with no declared favorite. Participants such as Olympian’s Pride, Zain Prince, Maika Jan, and Latin Storm promise an intense battle. In the second race, Ehsan Queen leads as the favorite, with Gifts of Gold and Merchant of Venus posing challenges. The field also includes Gennie, Naveed-e-Sahar, Drago, and Galileo Lady.

The third race brings a clash of 10 contenders from Class VII Division-IV & V. Generosity is the favorite, while Pocket Power and Kuwait Edition are place and fluke, respectively. Lalay De Jan, Self Belief, Apple of My Eye, and others add depth to the competition. The seventh race features Flying Fire as the favorite in a Class VII Division-II battle, with Moni Prince and Black Bird as strong rivals. The field also includes Winx, Sarkar Raj, and other talented entries.

The final race of the day, a Class VII Division-III & IV event, will see Timeline as the favorite, with Zarbi and Monsoon Mischief offering stiff competition. M.S. Spirit, Gul-e-Jalal, Putin, and Blazing Fire complete the lineup, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion.

With the inclusion of some of the finest equine talent, the Lahore Race Club promises a day of exhilarating action, drawing fans eager to witness intense battles on the track and celebrate the rich tradition of horse racing.

Dar Hockey Academy continues to shine on the national stage

 Dar Hockey Academy continues to shine on the national stage

Asher Butt

LAHORE: Established in 2006, the Dar Hockey Academy (Dar HA) in Lahore has become a cornerstone of hockey talent development in Pakistan. Over the years, the academy has consistently produced players who have excelled on both national and international stages.

Chief patron of the academy and former hockey stalwart Tauqeer Dar in a conversation with The News highlighted some of the academy’s achievements and contribution to the national front.

He emphasized that the academy first made its mark in 2009 when its boys earned national selection for the Under-18 Asia Cup. Since then, Dar HA alumni have been a regular feature in Pakistan's senior and age-group hockey teams, solidifying the academy’s reputation as a hub of excellence.

On Junior Asia Cup representation, he said that the Pakistan team announced for the upcoming Junior Asia Cup in Muscat, Oman, features five players from Dar Hockey Academy, demonstrating the academy’s continued contribution to Pakistan hockey:

Identifying the players, he stated: Sufyan Khan (Bannu) has been named Vice Captain of the Junior Asia Cup squad. Sufyan recently earned the prestigious International Hockey Federation's Rising Star of the Year Award, highlighting his exceptional talent.

Rao Aqueel (Khoiwala, Khanewal District): A promising young star.

Faizan Janjua (Rawalpindi): The team’s goalkeeper, known for his agility and game awareness.

Bilal Aslam and M. Waseem (Peer Mahal, Toba Tek Singh District): Dynamic players ready to make their mark.

With a mission to nurture young hockey talent, Dar Hockey Academy has emerged as a beacon of hope for the sport in Pakistan. The academy provides comprehensive training, mentoring, and exposure to its players, enabling them to excel at the highest levels, he maintained.

He further added that the inclusion of Dar HA players in the Junior Asia Cup squad is a testament to the academy’s unwavering commitment to fostering future stars of Pakistani hockey.

As the team prepares for the tournament in Oman, he pointed out that the followers of the sport looks forward to witnessing the contributions of these young athletes in elevating Pakistan's hockey legacy.

FIH President Tayyab Ikram launches 'Project Pakistan' for hockey revival

 FIH President Tayyab Ikram launches 'Project Pakistan' for hockey revival

Asher Butt

Tayyab Ikram, President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH), has officially announced the initiation of 'Project Pakistan,' a comprehensive program aimed at reviving hockey in Pakistan. The project, modeled on the successful 'Project India' launched a few years ago, seeks to restore Pakistan's former glory in the sport. A similar initiative is also being planned for Africa.

Speaking at a group of journalists, Tayyab Ikram stressed that 'Project Pakistan' would focus on enhancing performance, professionalism, and infrastructure in the country. He acknowledged Pakistan's rich hockey heritage but emphasized the critical need for financial stability and government support to ensure sustainable progress.

“Pakistan has incredible talent, but the lack of financial resources is a significant hurdle,” Ikram said. He further highlighted that a robust financial model and unwavering commitment from the government are essential to achieve long-term success.

Ikram emphasized that the initiative goes beyond benefiting Pakistan alone; it aims to uplift hockey in Asia and globally. "The revival of Pakistan hockey is not just about one nation—it’s about strengthening world hockey," he stated. He also reiterated the FIH’s commitment to providing technical support to Pakistan and ensuring equal opportunities for all nations.

Reflecting on the current state of hockey worldwide, Ikram pointed out that many nations struggle with financial constraints, limiting their ability to participate in major events like the Olympics. “While 12 countries competed in the Paris Olympics, another 8-10 could have joined if they had proper financial models and government backing,” he noted.

Ikram highlighted the advancements in technology within hockey, describing the sport as being at the forefront compared to many other federations. He mentioned ongoing efforts to integrate AI technology to ensure fair play and improve decision-making. While acknowledging technical challenges, especially in comparison with cricket, he pointed out hockey’s unique multi-directional movements as an area where technological innovations are critical.

A key component of Ikram's vision is empowering smaller nations to participate more actively on the global stage. Referring to the Hockey Five format, he explained how it has helped bridge gaps between countries of varying hockey prowess. “Smaller nations now feel confident competing alongside major hockey countries,” he said, citing Oman’s recent bronze medal victory as a prime example.

Tayyab Ikram urged the Pakistani government to play its part in supporting the revival initiative. He expressed optimism about the trust world hockey has placed in him and pledged to use this platform to drive empowerment and engagement in the sport.

“Project Pakistan is not just a promise; it is a step towards rebuilding the pride of hockey in Pakistan and Asia,” Ikram said while concluding that the project is set to launch within the next few months, signaling a critical turning point for Pakistan hockey. With the support of the FIH, government commitment, and a focus on high performance and professionalism, 'Project Pakistan' could mark the beginning of a new era for one of hockey’s most historic nations.

'If BCCI has concerns, they should talk to us': PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi

 'If BCCI has concerns, they should talk to us': PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi

Asher Butt 

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, urging the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to communicate directly if they have any reservations about the tournament.

 

Speaking to the media on Monday while inspecting the Gaddafi Stadium upgrade project in Lahore, Naqvi stressed the importance of keeping politics out of sports and called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to safeguard its credibility in decision-making.

 

“We are fully prepared to host the Champions Trophy, and all participating teams are ready to visit Pakistan,” said Naqvi. He emphasized that the PCB is awaiting the ICC’s official announcement of the tournament schedule and expressed hope for its timely release.

 

Naqvi also confirmed that the PCB has reached out to the ICC with a formal letter addressing concerns about the tournament and is awaiting a response.

 

In response to any potential concerns raised by the BCCI, Naqvi invited open communication. “If BCCI has any concerns, they should talk to us. We are ready to address them constructively,” he said, highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring a successful and smooth tournament.

 

Naqvi also inspected the ongoing Gaddafi Stadium upgrade project, which is being accelerated in preparation for the Champions Trophy. The project, currently 60% complete, includes flooring upgrades, the construction of a new seating structure, and the installation of modern lighting systems.

 

During his visit, Naqvi reviewed the progress in various areas of the stadium, including the main building, enclosures, and infrastructure. He expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, emphasizing the importance of meeting international standards.

 

The project is on track to be completed before the Champions Trophy. “The entire team is working diligently to ensure the stadium is ready in time,” Naqvi assured. He also urged relevant authorities to maintain momentum and adhere to deadlines.

 

Project updates were provided by the Frontier Works Organization (FWO), with key officials, including advisors Aamir Mir and Bilal Afzal, PCB COO Syed Sameer Ahmad, and representatives from NESPAK and domestic cricket operations, present during the inspection.

 

An official of the PCB said that Mohsin Naqvi’s regular inspection of work underline Pakistan’s dedication to hosting the Champions Trophy at the highest standard, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to the global cricketing community while calling for constructive dialogue and cooperation.

Sultan Claims Sheikh Sajjad Hassan Memorial Cup at Lahore Race Club

  Sultan Claims Sheikh Sajjad Hassan Memorial Cup at Lahore Race Club

Asher Butt

The Lahore Race Club witnessed thrilling action on Sunday as Sultan clinched victory in the prestigious Sheikh Sajjad Hassan Memorial Cup, the highlight of a seven-race card that featured upsets and surprises throughout the day.

The opening race saw the favorite Anni Power live up to expectations, securing a dominant win. In a surprise finish, Gift Of Gold claimed second place, while Capital City, expected to place higher, settled for third.

An upset marked the second race as Desert Pari stormed to victory, defeating the favorite Zaman Sahab, who had to settle for second. Dill Nasheen, a surprise contender, came in third.

In the third race, the favorite Moni Princess delivered a strong performance to take first place. Surprises continued as Black Master and Gul-E-Jalal finished second and third, respectively.

The much-anticipated Sheikh Sajjad Hassan Memorial Cup saw a commanding win by Sultan, who showcased exceptional form. Luna Afzal followed in second place, with Set In Stone rounding out the top three.

Another upset unfolded in the fifth race with Echelon emerging victorious. Manat and Leisure Trip, both surprise contenders, finished second and third, respectively.

The sixth race continued the day’s trend of surprises as Desert Crown upset the field to take the win. The favorite Farhan Prince came in second, followed by Babar King and Black Tiger, who tied for third.

The final race of the day concluded with yet another upset, as Yesteryear claimed the top spot. Shakira delivered a surprising performance to finish second, while Wynx, considered a long shot, secured third place.

The races at the Lahore Race Club not only thrilled fans but also showcased the unpredictable nature of the sport, with upsets dominating the day’s results. The Sheikh Sajjad Hassan Memorial Cup stood out as the centerpiece, with Sultan’s victory cementing his reputation as a formidable contender in the racing circuit.

This day of exhilarating finishes and unexpected outcomes will be remembered as a highlight of the year’s racing calendar at Lahore Race Club.

Sheikh Sajjad Hassan Memorial Cup featured race of LRC on Nov 17

Sheikh Sajjad Hassan Memorial Cup featured race of LRC today

Asher Butt

The prestigious Sheikh Sajjad Hassan Memorial Cup, a term race for two-year-old horses, will be the highlight of the 12th day of the Lahore Winter Meeting 2024-25 at the Lahore Race Club.

Scheduled for Sunday, the event features a total of seven competitive races, promising an exhilarating day for racing enthusiasts.

The Sheikh Sajjad Hassan Memorial Cup will feature seven contenders, including Hall Road, Amanah Noor, Secret Lover, New York City, Luna Afzaal, Sultan, and Set In Stone. While no clear favorite has been declared, the lineup ensures fierce competition in this marquee race.

The activity at the LRC will roll into action with the Conflict Plate of Class VII, Division VI & VII, having favourite in Anni Power. As the place contender is Capital City, a surprise is expected from King Asia. Other participants are Naveed-e-Sahar, Raftar, Tatla Choice, Galileo Lady, Gifts of Gold, Smart Fighter, I Shall Lead, and Sarparast.

The second race is of Class VII, Division V & VI with Zaman Sahib being the favourite and could be followed by Stardom at place with a wild entry of Desert Parri. Remaining field includes Amigo, Sikandar Saphire, Dil Nasheen, Gennie, Matnood Jr, Malik Badshah, Pride of Chandrai, and Al Mabrook.

In the third race there are Class VII, Division III & IV participants. Moni Prince is seen as the potential best while Shareeka is believed second best and a surprise is believed coming from Kuwait Edition. The remaining lineup has Queen of Ameer, Black Master, Emerging Star, M.S. Spirit, Gul-e-Jalal, Generosity, Blazing Fire, Lalay De Jan, and Yes Commander.

The fourth race of the day is the Sheikh Sajjad Hassan Memorial Cup, a term Race for 2-Year-Old Horses with no declared favourite as the participants include Hall Road, Amanah Noor, Secret Lover, New York City, Luna Afzaal, Sultan, and Set In Stone.

In the fifth race, there are Class VI participants. Favourite here is Murad and its closest challenger is seen in Macs King while a surprise may come from Echelon. The field also has Leisure Trip, Addar, and Manat.

The sixth race is the Class VII, Division I & II category with Farhan Prince being the frontrunner. Expect a close fight from Babar King with surprise from Black Tiger for being on fluke. Other participants are Brooklyn, Flight Line, Western Lady, and Desert Crown.

The final race is of Class VII, Division I & III. Blue Ash is favourite while Yesteryear follow and Wynx is on fluke. Columbus, Shakira, Specialist, Nisha, Black Bird, and Deedavar are the other contenders.

The Lahore Winter Meeting continues to captivate with its thrilling mix of seasoned and emerging talents. Racing fans are encouraged to join the excitement and witness the making of champions in this action-packed event.

Upsets Rule the Day at Lahore Race Club

 Upsets Rule the Day at Lahore Race Club

Aser Butt 

The Lahore Race Club witnessed a day of upsets on Sunday as unexpected winners emerged in both featured cup events, defying the odds in thrilling fashion.

In the Atlas Honda Cup, Money Heist pulled off a stunning upset, securing victory despite being far from the favourites. Meanwhile, the Arbab Nur Muhammad Khan Memorial Cup saw another unexpected champion in Qaswa Princess, who similarly clinched a surprising win.

Other noteworthy performances came from Desert Pari, Monsoon Mischief, Luckvir, and Black Tiger, who each claimed wins against the odds. Only Dhafir, a favourite in the final race of the day, lived up to expectations with a commanding victory.

Detailed Race Results

Opening Race: Desert Pari delivered an unexpected win, while Rayan Prince placed and Anni Power took third, both surprising finishes.

Second Race: Monsoon Mischief claimed a surprise victory. Fluke pick Zaman Sahib placed second, and Vartika rounded off the top three in another upset result.

Third Race: Luckvir, a potential surprise finisher, won the race. Timeline took place and Putin came in third, both delivering unexpected performances.

Atlas Honda Cup (Fourth Race): The highlight of the day saw Money Heist upsetting the favourites. Quality Street finished in place as expected, while favourite Trigger was pushed to third.

Arbab Nur Muhammad Khan Memorial Cup (Fifth Race): Another major upset came from Qaswa Princess, who took first. Macs King followed with a surprise place, and dark horse Sardar finished third.

Sixth Race: Feel My Love won in an upset, favourite Black Tiger took second, and fluke pick Desert Crown finished third.

Seventh and Final Race: Favourite Dhafir secured victory, while fluke pick Farhan Prince placed second, and Veste One provided a surprise third-place finish.

The day’s results underscored the unpredictability of horse racing, with several surprise winners bringing excitement and suspense to the Lahore Race Club.

 LRC to host Atlas Honda Cup and Arbab Nur Khan Cup on Sunday

 

Asher Butt

The Lahore Race Club is all set to hold an action-packed racing event on Sunday, marking the 11th Day of the Winter Meeting 2024-2025. Featuring seven exciting races, the event will be headlined by the Atlas Honda Cup and the Arbab Nur Muhammad Khan Memorial Cup. This much-anticipated lineup will include a variety of classes and divisions, highlighting some of the most promising horses of the season.

As the top picks of the opening Rambo Plate (Class VII, Division VI & VII) are believed to be is Gifts of Gold as the race favourite, with Desert Parri expected to place, and Royal Baby seen as the fluke option.

Other Entrants are Well Regard, Zain Prince, Naveed-e-Sahar, Ideology, Kaptaan Gee, Sarpagast, Jhanbaz, Jalthal, Elon Musk, Reyaan Khan, Anni Power, Merchant of Venus, Al Karam, I Shall Lead.

In race two of Class VII, Division V & VI, the featured horses includes Awais Love leads as favourites, with Pocket Power expected to place, and Zaman Sahib as the potential fluke. Remaining participants are Gennie, Vartika, Monsoon, Mischief, Sikandar Saphire, Mafnood JR, Khanum Princess.

The third race is of Class VII, Division III & IV pick. Fairy World is expected to lead, followed by Lady Champion in second and Luckyir as a possible surprise finisher. Remaining lineup includes Other Entrants: Timeline, Shareeka, Lalay De Jan, Putin, Kuwait Edition, Yes Commander.

The fourth race is the Atlas Honda Cup, which is a Term Race for 3-Year-Olds. Trigger is set as the race favourite, with Quality Street likely to place and Dominus as the fluke. Other challengers are National Colour, Princess Rukhtas, Yesteryear, Money Heist.

The Arbab Nur Muhammad Khan Memorial Cup which is a Class VI race will go for 1200 Meters, is the main event of the day. Echelon is the favourite, followed by Sundari for the place, and Sardar as the dark horse. Other entrants are Leisure Trip, Macs King, Murad, Qaswa Princess, Phantom.

The sixth race is of Class VII, Division II with Black Tiger heads as the favourites, with Wynx for the place and Desert Crown as a fluke option. Other in the lineup are Dubawi's Angel, Gondal One, Feel My Love, Taj Mahal, Nisha, Shakira, Black Bird, Deedavar.

The finals race is of Class VII, Division I. Dhafir is the favourite, with Western Lady as the place option, and Farhan Prince as a potential surprise performer. Other participants are Winx, Veste One.

 

With a dynamic set of races featuring top horses and intense competition, the Lahore Race Club’s Winter Meeting promises to be a thrilling event for race enthusiasts. The stage is set for a memorable day at the tracks, with the Atlas Honda Cup and the Arbab Nur Muhammad Khan Memorial Cup serving as the prime attractions.