From false starts to fashion wins: A lively day at the races

Lucknow’s racing grounds came alive again as spectators gathered for an afternoon of action and celebration at the Millennium Cup Race at the Lucknow Race Course.

The afternoon began with the spirited Indian-bred horse race, drawing energetic participation from horse owners and jockeys alike.

Presented by Brig SS Pundir and Manjula Goswami, the race saw Burak, owned by Mohd Abdullah and ridden by Mohd Sohil, claim the first spot, taking home the Winner’s Trophy.

Golden Boy, owned by Shabab Abbas Naqvi with jockey Aktar Ali, secured second place, while Rudra, owned by Vikas Pandey and ridden by Krish, finished third.

The race schedule saw a brief interruption when the Thoroughbred horse race was declared a false start.

The announcement by the stewards paused proceedings and became a point of discussion among spectators across the stands.

Alongside the race, the event also featured a series of lifestyle and fashion awards, which Maj Gen Maneesh Kukrety, Sangeeta Kukrety and Manjula presented to participants across multiple categories. Brig Sobhan and Jessica won Best Hat (Male and Female) titles while Pooja Singh and Shashank Shukla were awarded Best Dressed Lady and Gentleman.

Made for Each Other titles went to Lt Col Rajul Rajesh and Madhvi Srivastvava in the young couple category and Brig Vinod Raizada and Sailila Raizada in the senior couple category.Other recognitions included Most Elegant Lady awarded to Pooja Chadha, Most Stylish Teen to Princess, Best Family Fashion to Maneesh Manhoja and family, Most Charming Gentleman to Naveen Chadha, Grace & Glamour Award to Anjali Chopra, Most Colourful Attire to Pooja Lamba Cheema, Best Smile to Reema Chabra and Most Cheerful Spectator to Honey Bindra.— Amina Ashraf