Big Bravo makes hat-trick of Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup.

Byline: Anwar Zuberi

KARACHI -- Six-year bay horse Big Bravo entered his name in the annals of the equine sport after galloping to an impressive 10-length victory over five-year-old bay horse and half-brother Big Faith to become first rider to complete a hat-trick of Quaid-i-Azam Gold Cup in the winter Gymkhana race meeting at the Karachi Racecourse on Sunday.

The course echoed with 'Big Bravo, Big Bravo' as the two-time champion and co-favourite turned for home stretch after negotiating the bend, exhibiting enthralling display of endurance and speed to set a new mark in the 69-year-old history of the prestigious event named after father of the nation.

The victorious horse was given standing ovation as he entered the paddock after the triumph with Lahore's rider Aftab Chaudhry in the saddle.

There were jubilations all around with people congratulating the trio of rider, trainer and owner on the achieving the rare feat.

'I'm indebted to Almighty Allah who blessed me with the honours with this unique feat,' a jubilant 29-year-old rider told Dawn after the victory.

Besides Big Bravo, rider Aftab and owner Ali Raza Zia have also made it three win on the trot.

Big Bravo clocked two minutes5 3/5 seconds for the 10-furlong race and was sent by trainer Zia-ur-Rehman.

Co-favourite four-year-old bay colt Determination was placed third half-a-length away while Big Bravo's another half brother Brave Son completed the frame edged by distance among eight starters.

The owner, accompanied by rider and trainer, received the glittering cup from Sindh Governor Imran Ismail who graced the occasion as the chief guest. KRC president Syed Sadruddin Shah Rashdi aka Younus Sain was also present

Besides the cup, the triumph also earned the victorious purse of Rs500,000 with runner-up getting Rs125,000 and third-placed Rs75,000. The KRC doled out Rs1.8m for the Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup, Nursery Cup, X-Mas Cup and the 2,000 Guineas of Pakistan Cup.

Making amends, favourite two-year-old bay colt Classic Leader edged filly Princess Maria to land the Nursery Cup.

Another public fancy filly Hi Honey obliged all and sundry by galloping to a fluent eight lengths victory over bay horse Janbaaz to claim the X-Mas Cup.

The 2,000 Guineas of Pakistan honours went to filly Queen's Best who justified her credentials by getting the better of colt Tital.

Long shot four-year-old bay colt Gestapo upset the applecart while imposing to two lengths victory over mare Abdullah Princess in the...