A day of stunning reversals of fortunes at LRC

LAHORE: In a day marked by stunning reversals of fortunes, favourites fell and underdogs reigned supreme at the Lahore Race Club’s 33rd day of the 2024-25 Winter Meeting on Sunday.

The racing action began with a shocking result in the opening Drure Plate (Class-VII, Division-VI&VII) when Naveed-e-Sahar, largely overlooked in pre-race predictions, thundered to a stunning victory. Favorite Jhanbaz had to settle for second place, while Advocate surprised onlookers by securing third position, demonstrating the unpredictable nature that would characterise the entire day’s proceedings.

The second race provided another unexpected outcome in the Drure Plate (Class-VII, Division-V&VI) as Yes Commander, designated as a potential “fluker” in pre-race analysis, lived up to that billing by taking command from the start and maintaining his advantage to the finish line. Rayaan Prince delivered a surprise second-place finish, while Zaman Sahib, widely considered a strong place contender, could only manage third.

The upsets continued in the third race when Shareeka produced a breathtaking performance in the Drure Plate (Class-VII, Division-III&IV) to claim victory against all expectations. Rutba secured second place in another surprising result, pushing pre-race favourite Black Fire into a disappointing third position that left punters shaking their heads.

The fourth race, the prestigious High Again Plate (Class-VI), saw Redrock—previously tipped as a strong place contender—successfully repel a determined late challenge from Feel My Love to secure victory. Pre-race favorite Swift Retort struggled throughout and had to settle for third place in yet another reversal of form.