Ashok Kumar, Lalith thrill Southern sports fans

Bernard Perera in Tissamaharama

HORSE RACING: The rural folk based in Southern Province for the first time witnessed the real horse racing on Friday evening when the Tharunyata Hetak Foundation conducted horse racing with the assistance of Premadasa Riding School.

The meet which was held on the newly laid track on the Ceylon Auto Drome attracted a very large gathering of spectators.

The organisers with the help of Suranjith Premadasa held seven races in different classes. The races were evenly contested with Jockeys from Nuwara Eliya dominating the day’s proceedings. Trainer S.D. Lalith had two winners for Ajantha de Soysa stable. Ashok Kumar was the rider on both occasions on ‘Battle Call’ and ‘Prince of South’ respectively.

The other jockey to impress was J. Anthony when he rode Chocolate Sandy to victory for Ajantha de Soysa stable. He had two more placings on the day. Lalith became the best Trainer when he had four winners from seven events.

Minister Chamal Rajapaksa, Private Secretary to the President Sashendra Rajapaksa along with many other distinguished personalities were the guest for the race meet. Suranjith Premadasa who played a pivotal role in organising the horse race track has specially brought down a specialised commentator H.N. Harish for the event.

Bank of Ceylon Cup.

1. Chocolate Sandy (J. Anthony)
2. Born Free
3. Miss Misteres

F & G Cup

1. Balle Call (Ashok Kumar)
2. Singing Melody
3. Eulexite

Jayaviru Cup (3/4 Bred)

1. Prince of South (Ashok Kumar)
2. Monika

Sirasa Cup.

1. Lady Rejima (M. Christopher)
2. Her Excellency
3. Lightning

Coca Cola Cup (Half Bred)

1. Malka (O.K. Dinesh)
2. Moon Light Baby
3. Bellisima

Union Assurance Cup (Half Bred)

1. Keep Looking (A. Dushmantha)
2. Siga
3. Buller Scotch

Carlton Cup - Thorough Bred

1. Perfect Placement (L. Ravi Kumar)
2. Certain Smile
3. Storm Past.