Twists, turns, and fluke winners light up LRC

 

Twists, turns, and fluke winners light up LRC

Asher Butt

If there’s one thing racegoers at the Lahore Race Club have learned, it’s to always expect the unexpected. The latest winter meeting was another reminder that favourites don’t always have it their way — and fluke tips can sometimes run off with the glory.

The curtain-raiser set the tone. Mehsi Babu, written off by many as nothing more than a fluke, bolted up in style to leave punters stunned. Augustus, the reliable place horse, ran true to form, while Good Boy shocked by sneaking into third.

The highlight of the evening came in the second race, where Haseeb Thrill produced a breathtaking late charge to storm past the field. Thunder Prince battled bravely for second, while outsider Leo Star snatched third, keeping the surprises rolling.

Drama struck again in the third. Few gave Sky Warrior a chance, but the outsider spoiled Victory Bulbul’s party, while Thunder Man earned himself a surprising third-place finish.

One horse, though, left no doubts — Son Of Sultan. Declared the favourite, he ran like one, sweeping the fourth race with authority. Princess Noor raised eyebrows with a gallant second, while Prince Essa slipped back to third despite being fancied for place.

In the fifth race, the railside proved lucky for Falco, who sprinted home clear by two lengths. Thunder Boy unexpectedly grabbed second, while favourite Absolutely Not failed to deliver.

The evening closed with yet another twist. Nawab Prince, tipped only for place, turned out to be much the best in the last race. Agha Prince followed in second, and Mr Asia rounded off a day of surprises with third.

It was a classic LRC meeting — flukes turning into heroes, favourites faltering, and punters left debating what might come next. In racing at Lahore, one thing is certain: predictability is never part of the game.