Favourites falter as underdogs shine at LRC

 Favourites falter as underdogs shine at LRC

Asher Butt

A day of dramatic upsets unfolded at the Lahore Race Club on Sunday, with only three favorites managing to secure wins while longshots dominated most races, including the two major events of the day.

The spotlight fell on unexpected winners Baaeed and Trigger, who left racing pundits stunned, while Generosity, Jack, and Swift Retort delivered remarkable performances throughout the day.

The day began with favorite Raftar demonstrating its prowess, while American Star and Abdullah Champion surprised with second and third-place finishes respectively.

Generosity orchestrated the first major upset in the second race, followed by Zuza in second and Zaman Sahib claiming an unexpected third position. The surprises continued as underdog Jack outpaced favorite Dubawi's Angel, while place-favorite Zarbi secured third.

In the Christmas Cup, Baaeed emerged victorious in an unexpected triumph, with Dilbar and Nostalgic completing the podium.

The main event, the Toyota 2000 Guineas of Pakistan Cup, saw Trigger producing the day's biggest upset, while favorite Sardar settled for second and Prodigal Rain surprised with third.

Moni claimed the sixth race, with strong contender Kit Kat taking second and Secret Lover finishing third. The day concluded with Karachi's Swift Retort winning the final race, followed by favorites Suspicious One and Yestaryear in second and third positions respectively.

The article accurately reflects the race results and maintains good journalistic style. The new headline better captures the day's theme of favorites being upset by underdogs.

 

 

LRC results December 22, 2024

 

1st race: Raftar, American Star, Abdullah Champion, Naveed-e-Sehar

2nd race: Generosity, Zuza, Zaman Sahib, Dil Nasheen

3rd race: Jack, Dubawai's Angle, Zarbi, Blazing Fire

4th Christmas Cup race: Baaeed, Dilbar, Nostalgic, Gondal

5th Toyota 2000 Guineas of Pakistan race: Trigger, Sardar, Prodigal Rain, Verde One

6th race: Moni, Secret Lover, Kit Kat, Qalandar

7th race: Swift Retort, Suspicious One, Yesteryear, Farhan Prince

LRC set to host Christmas Cup, 2000 Guineas of Pakistan Cup today

 LRC set to host Christmas Cup, 2000 Guineas of Pakistan Cup today

Asher Butt

LAHORE: Lahore Race Club is all set to host an action-packed day of racing today (Sunday), featuring two prestigious events — the Christmas Cup and the 2000 Guineas of Pakistan Cup — among a total of seven thrilling races. Both cup races, set over distances of 1200 and 1600 meters respectively, are the main attractions, while race six, a maiden run, also promises excitement with its 1200-meter challenge. The day is rounded out by five competitive Atia Plate races.

 

The opening Atia Plate, a Class VII Division VI&VII race, has 13 contenders, with Jhanbaz as the favorite. Raftar is expected to secure second place, while a surprise performance could come from Tango To Fire. Other participants include Bilal Prince, Jawad Love, Ok Queen, Naveed-e-Sahar, Macs, American Star, Jalthal, Abdullah Champion, Latin Storm, and Flokey.

 

The second race, a Class VII Division V&VI event, has Yes Commander as the frontrunner, closely followed by Generosity, while Zuza might spring a surprise. The remaining lineup includes Emerging Star, Sarparast, Zaman Sahib, Dil Nasheen, Al Mabrook, and Vartika.

 

In the third race, a Class VII Division III&IV contest, Dubawi's Angel is the favorite, with Kuwait Edition and Zarbi posing significant challenges. Potential threats also come from Black Master, Black Bird, Welcome Sardar, Jack, Moon One, and Blazing Fire.

 

The fourth race, the much-anticipated Christmas Cup, is a term race for two-year-olds, featuring Baaeed, Gondal One, Nostalgic, Dilbar, and Parlay For Two. No clear favorite has emerged, making this a highly unpredictable and exciting contest.

 

The fifth race, the Toyota 2000 Guineas of Pakistan Cup, another term race for three-year-olds, sees Trigger as the standout favorite, with Sardar and Prodigal Rain expected to secure podium finishes. Other competitors include Dawn To Dusk, Desert Crown, Feel My Love, Public Star, Verde One, and Manal.

 

Race six, a Class VII Division II maiden race, has Specialist leading the predictions, with Kit Kat as a strong contender. Secret Lover may deliver an upset, while Qalandar, Black Magic, Debate Princess, Moni, and G-Three complete the field.

 

The final race, a Class VII Division I competition, features seven competitors. Suspicious One is the favorite, followed by Flight Line and Farhan Prince, while Swift Retort (KRC), Addar, Big Dream, and Yestaryear could spring surprises.

 

With a stellar lineup of races and participants, today promises a memorable day for racing enthusiasts at Lahore Race Club.

PSB DG Yasir Pirzada stresses transparency in POA elections

 PSB DG Yasir Pirzada stresses transparency in POA elections

Asher Butt

The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has reaffirmed its stance of non-interference in the upcoming elections of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), while emphasizing the importance of transparency and adherence to International Olympic Committee (IOC) charter and regulations.

Addressing the Sports Journalists Association of Lahore (SJAL) at the National Hockey Stadium, Lahore, PSB Director General Yasir Pirzada highlighted key measures aimed at promoting sports in Pakistan, including the successful conclusion of the Quaid-e-Azam Games.

Pirzada raised concerns regarding the POA's electoral college, calling for clarity and compliance with the IOC Charter. "We respect the Lausanne Agreement and remain committed to ensuring fairness without disrupting the electoral process," he said. He reiterated that the PSB’s role is not to interfere but to ensure transparency in processes that shape Pakistan’s sports governance.

Stressing the government’s right to accountability, Pirzada disclosed that federations receiving public funds are now required to provide detailed audit reports. While many have complied, the names of federations failing to meet these requirements will soon be published online.

"The government provides funding for the development of sports, and it’s only fair to demand accountability for every rupee spent," he remarked.

In a move aimed at bolstering integrity in team selections, Pirzada announced that federations must share merit-based details of their squads before securing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for international events.

Dispelling perceptions of inadequate facilities for athletes, the DG PSB outlined the board’s efforts to identify and nurture talented individuals for international competitions. "Our athletes are equipped with world-class facilities, and we are committed to ensuring their growth and success on the global stage," he added.

The event concluded with SJAL officials presenting Yasir Pirzada a commemorative shield as a token of appreciation for his efforts in promoting sports and fostering transparency in sports administration.

“The PSB’s focus on accountability, merit, and athlete development marks a positive step toward enhancing the credibility and performance of Pakistan’s sports sector,” believes SJAL.

 

Desert Crown springs surprise in Begum Bilquis Edhi Cup of LRC

 Desert Crown springs surprise in Begum Bilquis Edhi Cup of LRC

Asher Butt

The Lahore Race Club witnessed a day of dramatic horse racing on Sunday, with Desert Crown delivering the biggest upset of the day in the Begum Bilquis Edhi Cup, while two other surprise victories and three favorite wins marked the event.

The day began with Awan Di Shan claiming victory in the opening race, with Gifts Of Gold securing a place and Jhanbaz completing the top three in an unexpected turn of events.

Sarparast surprised spectators in the second race, with Falco taking an unexpected place and Dil Nasheen claiming another position.

The third race saw Love Love living up to expectations, with Kuwait Edition securing a place and Deedawer finishing third.

The highlight of the day was the Begum Bilquis Edhi Cup, where Desert Crown stunned onlookers with a win. Speed Of Fire claimed a surprising place, while favorites Dawn To Dusk and Acknowledge ended in a dead heat for third position.

Khushbash made a dramatic late surge, pulling ahead in the final furlong to claim victory. Specialist finished second, with Luna Afzaal taking third place.

The final race saw Victoria making a rapid return to claim the win, with Gennie and M S Spirit providing surprise performances in the place and third positions respectively.

The day's racing proved once again that in horse racing, anything can happen, with underdogs and favorites alike showcasing their unpredictable nature on the track. 

Begum Bilquis Edhi Cup highlights packed card of LRC

Begum Bilquis Edhi Cup highlights packed card of LRC

Asher Butt

The Lahore Race Club's 16th day winter meeting featured an exciting lineup, headlined by the prestigious Begum Bilquis Edhi Cup race for today (Sunday).

In the opening Aberdonian Plate Class VII Division-VII event, the favorites Jhanbaz, Gifts of Gold, and Naveed-e-Sahar are expected to feature prominently, with Awan Di Shan, Abdullah Champion, Latin Storm, Rafter, Flokey, and I Shall Lead also posing potential challenges.

The second race, Aberdonian Plate Class VII Division-IV, V & VI, is anticipated to see Al Mabrook, Dil Nasheen, and a surprise challenge from Jashn-e-Baharan, with Lalay De Jan, Falco, Sarparast, Bilal Prince, Tango To Fire, Star Crown and Macs also in the mix.

The third Aberdonian Plate Class VII Division-III&IV race could witness Kuwait Edition, Timeline, and Love Love battling for the top positions, while Dubawi's Angel, Deedavar, Arcadian, Great One, and Black Bird complete the field.

The main event of the day, the Begum Bilquis Edhi Cup, a Class VII Division-I&II race, is expected to see Acknowledge lead the charge, with Dawn To Dusk and a potential surprise from Speed of Fire. Addar, Khokhar One, Desert Crown, Shakira, and Naymar round out the eight-horse field.

The Class VII Division-II maiden race, the fifth event, is tipped to see Luna Afzal and Amanah Noor battle for the top spots, with Flash, Prince of Dawaud, Qalandar, Khushbash, Imperius, Specialist, and G-Three also in the rank.

The final race of the day, the Aberdonian Plate Class VII Division-IV&V, is projected to see Vitoria lead the way, with Public City and a potential upset from Putin. M.S.Spirit, Moon One, Emerging Star, and Gennie complete the lineup.

With a packed card of six races, the 16th day of the Lahore winter meeting promises an exciting day of racing action for the enthusiasts.

2nd Chief of Army Staff National Inter-Club Hockey from Dec 20

 2nd Chief of Army Staff National Inter-Club Hockey from Dec 20

Asher Butt

LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has unveiled details of the Second Chief of Army Staff National Inter-Club Hockey Championship, set to commence on December 20th, with an ambitious plan to rejuvenate the national sport.

PHF Secretary and Olympic medalist Rana Mujahid Ali revealed during a press conference that the tournament will feature an unprecedented 800 registered hockey clubs from across the country, marking a significant milestone for Pakistani hockey.

Detailing tournament structure, he  said the championship will unfold in four meticulously planned stages. Starting from District Level from December 20 to January 5, 2025 and will be followed by Divisional and Regional Level from January 8 to 13.

The Provincial Level tournament will start from January 15 to 22 and then the National Level championship will be played from February 3 to 15.

Elaborating on qualification details, Rana stated that ten teams will move up for the national-level matches while the provincial breakdown of qualified teams includes four from Punjab, two each from Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while one each from Balochistan, Islamabad, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Highlights several crucial aspects of the championship, Rana Mujahid Ali emphasized: “The tournament is part of a strategic plan to revive Pakistan's national sport.” He further added that all expenses will be covered by the Pakistan Army with a primary objective is to discover and nurture new talent.

“The championship aims to provide a professional platform for young hockey players,” he believed.

“The PHF expressed profound gratitude to Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir for his unwavering support in organizing the championship. The involvement of the military is seen as a significant boost to sports development in the country,” he maintained.

Olympic medalists Asif Bajwa, National Team Head Coach Tahir Zaman, and Olympian Anjum Saeed were present at the press conference, signaling the high-profile nature of the event and the commitment to elevating Pakistani hockey.

“The PHF remains optimistic that this inter-club championship will be a crucial step in identifying and grooming potential national team players, ultimately restoring Pakistan's historic reputation in international hockey.”

“The first-stage matches will be conducted at the district level, progressing through regional and provincial stages, with the national-level matches scheduled to take place at the National Hockey Stadium. Club registration opens on December 15 and will continue until further notice,” he added.

“The Second Chief of Army Staff National Inter-Club Hockey Championship represents a comprehensive effort to reinvigorate hockey at the grassroots level, providing a structured pathway for emerging talent to shine on a national platform,” he concluded.

Upsets dominate at LRC as favourites struggle

 Upsets galore at LRC as favourites struggle

 

Asher Butt

LAHORE: The Lahore Race Club witnessed a dramatic day of racing on Sunday, with four unexpected results out of six events, while favourites Zuza and Public Star managed to uphold their reputations in their respective contests.

 

The opening race set the tone for the day as Zuza met expectations, claiming first place with ease. Naveed-e-Sehar surprised spectators by finishing second, while Jahanbaz, on a fluke, secured third place.

 

In the second race, Agha Prince pulled off the first upset of the day, crossing the finish line ahead of the expected second-place finisher Yes Commander. Favourite Al Mabrook, despite high expectations, managed only third place.

 

The third race saw the highly anticipated Public Star live up to its billing, emerging as the star performer. The runner-up spot went to an unexpected Zarbi, with Kuwait Edition completing the podium in third.

 

The day’s most shocking outcome came in the fourth race when Trigger delivered a stunning victory in the seven-furlong event, setting a record time of 1 minute and 23 seconds. Prodigal Rain added to the surprises by claiming second place, while the dark horse Sardar finished third.

 

Another upset unfolded in the fifth race as Feel My Love, under jockey Awais Anjum, stormed to victory. Farhan Prince claimed the runner-up spot unexpectedly, while the favourite Suspicious One could only manage third.

 

The final race of the day provided a fitting end to the dramatic proceedings. Short tail Shakira battled hard to secure victory, with Black Tiger finishing second on a fluke, and Winx, an expected top contender, settling for third place.

  

Sunday's events highlighted the unpredictable nature of horse racing, with long shots stealing the spotlight and delivering thrilling performances against the odds. The surprises underscored the challenge for punters and the excitement for fans at the Lahore Race Club.

Lahore Race Club hosts 15th winter meeting with six exciting races

 Lahore Race Club Hosts 15th Winter Meeting with Six Exciting Races

Asher Butt

The Lahore Race Club is all set to host its 15th winter meeting today (Sunday), featuring a six-race card filled with thrilling competitions. With five Khyber Plates and one Naran Plate on the schedule, the day promises action-packed races that will keep enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.

Race 1: Khyber Plate (Class VII, Division VI & VII)

The opening race of the day sees Mafnood JR as the favorite to claim victory, with Zuza likely to place and Jhanbaz poised as a potential upset. The remaining contenders include Macs, Naveed-e-Sahar, Awais Prince, Ideology, Well Regard, Abdullah Champion, Gifts of Gold, Latin Strom, Raftar, Flokey, and I Shall Lead.

Race 2: Khyber Plate (Class VII, Division V & VI)

Al Mabrook emerges as the frontrunner in the second race, with Yes Commander and Zaman Sahib tipped as strong competitors. The other horses in the field include Lalay De Jan, Dil Nasheen, Agha Prince, Sarparast, Tango To Fire, and Star Crown.

Race 3: Khyber Plate (Class VII, Division III & IV)

Kuwait Edition is expected to lead the pack in the third race, with Putin and Public Star likely to follow as key challengers. Also in contention are Black Bird, Welcome Sardar, Zarbi, and Moon One, making this race one to watch closely.

Race 4: Naran Plate (Class VI)

The fourth race of the day, the only Naran Plate, features Trigger as the favorite, with Echelon likely to provide stiff competition. Sardar is tipped as a potential dark horse. The field also includes Leisure Trip, Royal Salute, Golden Markel, Prodigal Rain, Money Heist, and Brooklyn.

Race 5: Khyber Plate (Class VII, Division I)

Suspicious One is anticipated to secure the top spot in the fifth race, with Feel My Love and Acknowledge expected to follow. Other contenders include Addar, Desert Crown, Flight Line, Fathan Prince, and Maxi Macs.

Race 6: Khyber Plate (Class VII, Division II)

The final race of the day sees National Colour as the likely winner, with Winx and Black Tiger positioned to pose significant challenges. Additional competitors include Neymar, Qalandar, Flash, Moni, Moni Prince, G-Three, and Shakira.

An Exciting Day of Racing

Each race brings its own unique set of challenges and opportunities for surprises, making this winter meeting an unmissable event for racing fans. With top contenders and dark horses in the mix, the day promises a thrilling spectacle at the Lahore Race Club.

Favourites and underdogs shine alike at LRC

 Favourites and underdogs shine at LRC

Statesman claims Malik Hamid Ali Noon Memorial Cup

Asher Butt

LAHORE: An exhilarating day of racing unfolded at the Lahore Race Club, where favourites lived up to their reputations and underdogs exceeded expectations on Sunday. The highlight of the event was Statesman’s commanding victory in the Malik Hamid Ali Noon Memorial Cup, securing its place as the day’s standout performer.

 

The action began with the opening race, where Sarparast, the favourite, dominated the field to claim first place. Jhanbaz and Raftar surprised spectators by securing the second and third positions, respectively.

In the second race, Gennie, considered an outsider, pulled off a remarkable victory, with Gifts of Gold and Amigo surprising everyone by finishing second and third.

 

The third race saw Awais Love live up to expectations with a well-deserved win, while Al Mabrook and Zaman Sahib impressed by finishing second and third.

 

In the marquee fourth race, Statesman lived up to its reputation, clinching the Malik Hamid Ali Noon Memorial Cup. Baaeed followed closely in second place, and Nostalgic secured third, narrowly ahead of Princess Sara.

 

Brooklyn delivered a surprise victory in the fifth race, showcasing a strong finish. Flying Fire, as expected, claimed second place, while Timeline settled for third.

The sixth race was a showcase for new talent, with maiden appearances dominating the podium. Sarkar Raj led the pack, passing Set In Stone, who finished second, while Amanah Noor came in third.

 

The seventh race unfolded as predicted, with Gul-e-Jalal taking first place. Kuwait Edition and Deedawer followed in second and third positions.

The day concluded with the eighth race, where Victoria justified her favourite status with a confident win, while Zarbi and Generosity secured the second and third spots, respectively.

 

The event highlighted the depth of talent and unpredictability of the sport, providing spectators with a thrilling and memorable day at the races.