Pakistan Derby set to ignite LRC with thrilling equine action on Sunday

Pakistan Derby set to ignite LRC with thrilling equine action

Asher Butt

The country’s most prestigious equine event, the Pakistan Derby, backed and supported by Lake City, is set to electrify the Lahore Race Club during its 26th day winter meeting on Sunday (today). The event promises a thrilling day of horse racing with a card of 11 races, including five Sohna Plates and five cup events — Syed Toufeeq Kamal Shah Haqqi Memorial Cup, President Breeders Pakistan Cup, Champion Stakes Cup, Stewards Cup, and LRC Cup — that will keep pundits and stewards on their toes.

While each race holds its significance, the Lake City Pakistan Derby 2025 will be the focal point for enthusiasts. Jockeys and owners have undergone intensive training, each determined to win this prestigious race. The Derby boasts the largest prize money in Pakistani horse racing history, with the winner receiving a grand prize of Rs 10 million, courtesy of Lake City. Only four-year-old thoroughbred horses and mares will compete, and a total of 16 horses are participating. The real contest is believed to be between old rivals Sardar (favorite) and Trigger (place favorite), who went neck and neck in recent derby trials. Dark horse Swift Retort is also poised to spoil their party while Golden Market carries an outside chance to shine.

The day's activities will commence with the Sohna Plate of Class-VII and Division-VI&VII. With 14 participants in the run, Rafa is seen as the likely leader of the pack, with Awan De Shan and Talent expected to provide stiff competition. The contest will also be provided by Annie Power, Amigo, Mumraiz Love, Mafnood JR, Rutba, Sky Warrior, Raftar, Haseeb Thrill, Jawad Love, Sarpanaa, and War Command.

In the second race, Zuza is the favorite among 15 contestants, with Zaman Sahib and Twinkle also strong contenders. The lineup also has Absolutely Not, Thunder Man (KRC), Monsoon Mischief, Self Belief, Naya Dastoor, Emerging Star, Tully Princess, Pocket Power, Vartika, Al Mubrook, Gennie and Black Fire.

The third race features Shakira as the favorite among 17 participants, with Moni Prince and Dubawi's Angel expected to challenge. Others in the field are Qalandar, Big Dream, Rock N Wild, Thunder Boy, Generosity, Parlar For Two, Timeline, Jupiter, Husn-e-Baharan, Luckvir, Challa Queen, Kuwait Edition, Jack, and Blazing Fire.

The fourth race, featuring 18 participants, sees Khokhar One as the blue-eyed horse, with Rakaposhi and Sultan Prince providing competition. Remaining field includes Daaku, Vitoria, Western Lady, Set In Stone, Haseeb Thunder, Dangerous Intention, National Colour, Deep Seek, Thunder Princess (KRC), Golden Heart, Mehrab Prince (KRC), Hero, Black Rose, New York City, and Nawab Prince (KRC).

The Syed Tofeeq Kamal Shah Haqqi Memorial Cup, the fifth race of the day, includes eight new entrants on their maiden run, making it an open field. However, the participants are Gondal One, Nostalgic, Gabriela, Kit Kat, Moshi Queen, Princess Sara, Princess Noor, and |Sweet Baby Jojo.

The sixth race has Statesman as the favorite among seven contenders, with Haider Prince and Moni Queen also in the fray. Remaining runners are Winx, Prince Williams (KRC), Luna Afzaal, Yesteryear, and Princess Rukhtas.

The President Breeders Cup, the seventh race, is a term race for 3-year-old colts and fillies, with Hi Volt expected to perform well, alongside Perfect Again and Sultan from among remaining Prince Williams (KRC), Sarkar Raj, Dilbar, Distant Music, and Sardar Bey.

The main event, the Lake City Pakistan Derby 2025, features 16 contestants with Sardar as the favorite, closely followed by Trigger and Swift Retort. Challenge is also expected from Bambino, Dawn To Dusk, Feel My Love, Great One, Khushbash, Prodigal Rain, Public Star, Shareeka, Golden Market, Money Heist, Marryshah Secret, Vista One, and Wonder Women (KRC).

The Champion Stakes Cup, the ninth race, includes eight participants, with Tiete and Tierny expected to lead, while Jim and Tonic is a dark horse. With Melisende, Marquises, Suicide Blonde, Sofia The First, and Pakistani Star also in the run the competition is sleek.

The Stewards Cup, the tenth race, features five horses, with Sincere Approach, Brooklyn, and J-K as strong contenders. The remaining two contestants are Sundari and Mighty Macs.

The day's events will conclude with the LRC Cup, featuring eight participants, with Desert Crown, Phantom, and Suspicious One vying for the top spot. The field also had Redrock, Quality Street, Farhan Prince, Dominus, and Acknowledge.

With a day full of equine excitement, the Lahore Race Club is set to host a memorable event for horse racing enthusiasts, punctuated by the grandeur of the Lake City Pakistan Derby 2025.