KARACHI: Chestnut mare Sweet Golden reigned supreme in the May Cup as favourites swept a mediocre four-race card in the Gymkhana race meeting at the Karachi Racecourse on Sunday.

With a win already under her belt, Sweet Golden outpaced second favourite chestnut horse Golden Apple by four lengths to keep her winning run intact. The victorious horse clocked 0.511/5 seconds of the four-furlong contest.

Mare Khairpur Star seized third place beaten by 10 lengths and was followed by mare Soldier Girl who completed the frame another two-and-a-half lengths away among five starters.

The owner, trainer and rider trio of Mohammad Sumair, Shahid Mannan and M. Manzoor celebrated the day with double joy of winning a treble including the cup.

Their success commenced when Sweet Golden stable-mate mare Golden Arrow obliged all and sundry edging mare Princess of Hope by distance to clinch the second race. She recorded 0.573/5 seconds for four-and-a-half lengths sprint.

Mare Hello My Darling fell third by six lengths with Take Care edged by distance to occupy fourth place among five starters.

Geo Channa could not make it to the race as he was scratched in morning declaration.

Mare Janan coasted to a two-and-a-half lengths victory over Staying Alive in the fourth and concluding race that helped the connection to complete the feat. She timed 0.544/5 seconds for four furlongs.

Ayyan Prince and Sheba followed the top two in same order.

The racegoers had a laugh when Stayin’ Alive was first scratched before coming under starting order but was given a final chance immediately after it.

Observers were heard saying that they have never witnessed such happening in the past.

At the outset, change of name and ownership helped chestnut horse Violent Romeo open his account galloping to four-and-a-half lengths victory over Desco in the opening race.

Rider Sohail Ahmed piloted home the horse in 0.574/5 seconds. Zaheer Choice had to be content with third place ahead of Again Maradona among four contestants.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2022