Shabbir clinches Independence Day Cup

Jockey delighted at winning the biggest racing event of the day.

KARACHI: Ghulam Shabbir was victorious at the Independence Day Cup riding on Lajawab, finishing his race in just one minute and 15 seconds at the Karachi Race Club to claim the winner’s prize-money of Rs80,000.

Jockey Rehan Ahmed ended second with Hit the Heights, while Faheem K finished third riding on National Lady.

Shabbir was delighted at winning the biggest event of the day.

“It was a lucky day for me,” Shabbir told The Express Tribune. “Usually everyone is very excited about the races on Independence Day.

“It’s a different atmosphere as more people show up and all the events offer good prize money so the motivation factor is there.”

Meanwhile, Mohammad Yousuf won the Freedom Fighter Cup 2011 with Shane Muqaddar, racing to victory in one minute and 33 seconds as he outstripped Shabbir riding on Lady Gaga and Mohammad Rehan on Star Touch. Zaki Zakir finished first in the Kingri Lodge Performance Cup with Lai Te Jao while Ahmed came second riding on Black Carrier.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 15^th, 2011.