LAHORE – The four-year-old filly Quality Road left everyone high and dry to claim the Pakistan Derby 2011, earning more than Rs 150,000 in prize money and winning the trophy for its owner Syed Ismial Shah. Rider Ghulam Shabbir II and trainer Mohammad Rafiq were behind Quality Road’s win, as she covered the 12 furlong distance in two minutes and 35 seconds, the best time since 1986. The favourites were up to the task on Sunday as no major upset was witnessed except in a few races. Quality Road was followed by Sarbuland with champion jockey Shahid Rehman riding it to second place. Jahlwan Blue of Mohammad Asif Zari came third. Moment of Truth, which was considered among the top three, failed to meet expectations. The second big race of the day was the Breeders Cup. Arif Khurshid Baig’s Assassin took it away from Gold Digger and Gold Rose, who were placed second and third, respectively.
The day began with the Bhawal Plate Class IV Division I and the first three winning horses were Desert Eagle, Cinderella and Victory Gift. In Division II of the same race, In my Heart, Lucky Goshi and Silent Star took the top three places. Tea Star, Hero’s Hope and Smart Banker claimed the honours in Mian Shamsuddin Cup, although Hope for All and Mrs Accurate were among the favourites. The Stewards Cup was won by Ch Qamar Iqbal-owned Chan, while Punjabi and Jolly Backer secured the second and third places, as Munich and One Way II were left behind. Chapter One, Lady Narnia and Zarqawa claimes the top three positions in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup while Jahalwan came fourth, despite having the favourite’s tag.
Daud Prince came up to the expectations to win the LRC Cup, while Big Heart and Prince of Wales took the remaining two slots. Quick Return made it to the top in the Muhammad Ali Memorial Cup, with Victory Show and Majestic One coming second and third. In the last race of the day, Mirana Shaheen won the LPC Plate title in a photo-finish and was followed by Al Pine Creak and Kaseeno Royal.
