Sardar triumphs in Pakistan Derby 2025 amidst day of mixed fortunes

 Sardar triumphs in Pakistan Derby 2025 amidst day of mixed fortunes

President Asif Ali Zardari arrives for Pakistan Derby 2025

Asher Butt

Favourite Sardar not only lived up to the expectations but also silenced its critics by winning the Pakistan Derby 2025 that have a total prize purse of Rs 10 Million here at the Lahore Race Club, which witnessed mixed results on Sunday. Under the expert guidance of rider Amir Pervaiz, Sardar clocked an impressive two minutes and 34 seconds to complete the 2400 meters distance. This victory marked Amir Pervaiz’s record ninth derby title, elevating him from an ordinary rider to a legendary status.

Sardar’s trainer Touqeer and owner Ch Ashfaq were showered with congratulatory messages and pocketed the Rs 6.4 Million win purse along with the trophy, presented by President Asif Ali Zardari. LRC chairman Ahmed Makhdoom Ahmed (former Punjab Governor), secretary Shahzad Akhtar, and officials from sponsors Lake City were also in attendance to celebrate the momentous occasion.

The event featured an 11-race card, with six of them producing surprising outcomes where place favourites and some lesser-known horses emerged victorious. The day commenced with an unexpected result in the opener as War Command, ridden by Mohammad Hanif, took command. Dark horse Talent claimed the second position, with Sarparast taking third place surprisingly.

In the second race, favourite Zuza splashed home to victory, while Black Fire and Vartika stunned everyone by securing second and third places, respectively. The third race saw place favourite Moni Prince, with Awais Anjum riding, clinch the win, while Dubawi's Angel finished second, and Luckvir was a surprising third.

Western Lady, ridden by Aftab Ch, surprisingly sizzled in the fourth race, followed by Sultan Prince in second place and Set In Stone in third. Princess Noor, with rider Awais Anjum, captured the Syed Tofeeq Kamal Shah Haqqi Memorial Cup in a surprising turn of events, with Princess Sara and Nostalgic finishing second and third.

Favourite Statesman smashed rivals in the sixth race, clocking a time of 1m 24 1/5s. Moni Queen, a fluke contender, secured second place, while Princess Rukhtas finished as a surprise third. Perfect Again had a perfect trip to the winning post in the President Breeders Cup, clocking 1m 23 4/5s. Sultan, a fluke contender, was second, and favourite Hi Volt finished third.

In the main event, Sardar reigned supreme in the Pakistan Derby with a time of 2.34 seconds. Golden Market, a surprising second-place finisher, earned Rs Two Million, while Swift Retort, also a fluke, received Rs One Million for third place. Public Star secured fourth position and received Rs 400,000.

An upset win by Pakistan Star secured the Champion Stakes Cup, with dark horse Jim and Tonic in second place and favourite Tiete in third. Favourite Sincere Approach cruised to a fine victory in the Stewards Cup, with Mighty Max and Brooklyn finishing as surprise second and third, respectively. The finale race, LRC Cup, saw Acknowledge bolt up to victory, with Suspicious One in second place and Farhan Prince finishing as a surprise third.

The Pakistan Derby 2025 showcased an exhilarating day of horse racing, with Sardar's triumph and numerous unexpected results adding to the excitement and thrill for enthusiasts at the Lahore Race Club.