Iqbal Khan, 55-year-old jockey from Pakistan, rides two winners in 7 days
Iqbal Khan, who moved to Ireland 22 years ago, rode his second winner in his adopted home at Dundalk on Wednesday, days after recording his first at the same track
A 55-year-old jockey from Pakistan has ridden his first winners 22 years after moving to Ireland. Iqbal Khan has worked in the yard of Jim Bolger for the last ten years but didn’t have his first ride until 2023, appearing as a 7lb apprentice.
That ride provoked an outcry when Khan hit his mount 13 times in total, on two occasions issuing double strikes, to the fury of many on social media in a race at Killarney. He finished second but was issued with a ten day ban. Khan did not ride again until December 10 this month when he steered the Tony Mullins-trained Lahore Da King to victory in a 7f handicap at Dundalk.
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He repeated the feat seven days later to score on the same horse at the same track on Wednesday.
Draped in a Pakistan flag, Khan told RacingTV: “The last furlong I went easy. Not too much whipping, only pushing. I am very fit – I run every day. I love horses.”
Lahore Da King is owned by Khan’s son-in-law Mudassar Rafiq, who lives in Kilkenny and joined the post-race celebrations.
“I’m very delighted,” said Rafiq. “He did a great job. He’s from Lahore and that’s why the horse name is Lahore Da King.
“Tony train him really well. We’re thankful to Tony Mullins as well. He give him a chance a couple of times.
“He proved he can still ride. He’s 55-years-old. He’s very delighted as well. He’s my father-in-law.
“He works for Jim Bolger from last ten years. He do a bit of riding there but not much now, only my horses and for Tony Mullins.
“Delighted with back-to-back wins. I can’t explain my feelings now, I’m really happy. He only rides my horses and for Mullins now. I’m delighted to be here for this special win.”
