Pakistan's Horse Racing - The credentials for owners, trainers and jockeys for the year 2011
The year 2011 has been vital for Pakistani horse racing in a way since there were many amazing records made and many individuals surfaced as hard core professionals in their respective fields.
For instance the filly, Quality Road, set records regarding speed and distances, while the trainer, Haji Abid Mahmood, excelled in training and built his reputation as one of he bests in the country.
Owned by Syed Ismail Shah, Quality Road won the 1000 Guineas Of Pakistan and the 2011 Pakistan Derby Trials as well.
The 1000 Guineas Of Pakistan was raced over a distance of 1,600 metres and Quality Road was able to beat the runner up by a good eight lengths, while the 2011 Pakistan Derby Trials was a test for a journey to take place over a distance of 2,000 metres.
Accomplishing both the major events with such grace and flawlessness, highlighted her breeding credentials and declared her as a highly competitive and capable thoroughbred.
There are two families that are the most famous for not only being involved in horse racing, but rather being successful in winning many significant titles and classic events too.
The filly, that set the records for also finishing with the fastest timing on a new turf ever since two decades, is owned by the Pagaro family, which out of habit of being mostly victorious made it a point that they have very strong representation in the race.
Quality Road has also made the owner proud that his stature is now being recognised among some of the most influential and leading owners in Lahore’s horse racing circles.
This distinction that he now has under his belt has really been earned through serious hard work and effort.
The other family that was also equally popular and successful was the Leghari family, actually been out of the racing tracks since a while.
However, they can never be forgotten as they have claimed the Pakistan Derby four times besides other numerous classic events.
A very rare accomplishment that came Pagaro family’s way was striking the Pakistan Derby a good five times. This is a landmark that no other family, owner or trainer has been able to achieve as yet.
On the other end, trainers have not geared down, as far as acknowledging and accepting their progress is concerned.
An example is Haji Abid Mahmood, who has grown big in what he is doing and through his own commitment to the sport, he has advanced with training sprinters other than his top of the long distance trainees.
His filly, Lady Narnia, claimed the Pakistan Derby in 2010 and his trained colts were not very eager to stay without appreciation and acknowledgment. Hence, two of his colts secured the second positions at the Derby.
A tragic loss for the Pakistani horse racing industry came in when Munir Dar passed away at the age of 76.
He was truly iconic for the sport as he had served as a steward of the Jockey Club Of Pakistan, along with being a prominent breeder and trainer.
Not to miss out the fact, he is also famous for being the captain of the national hockey team.
His legend was extended when his trained gelding, Millennium Count, struck the fastest time ever over 1,400 metres and won an astonishing purse of Rs 2.1 million.
As far as the honour for the best horse for the year 2011 is concerned, it’s most deserving and strong nomination is Quality Road, again being a source of pride for her connections while inspiring them to take the next step to flourish the sport in the country.
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