Kota Kinabalu: Last Sunday’s (Aug 30) finale race saw the all-conquering Conflagrance stamping his authority in a field of quality veterans to clinch the prestigious 2026 Merdeka Cup.
The likes of ever-dependable Brilliant One and a fast-rising Magic Million could only trail way behind in a distant second and fourth respectively. Evergreen Pop ran courageously to finish third.
Magic Million jumped well and a seized sizeable lead but could not overcome the mighty power of Conflagrance in the end.
With this new found credentials, Conflagrance is expected to confront the likes of Kinabalu Warrior, Lord Justice and David’s Sling in the coming weeks.
Earlier in the day, a highly-disciplined Buttercup ran a time-to-perfection race to clinch the 2026 Madani Cup.
It was an electrifying race between Buttercup and Beauty Generation to the last metres. Beauty Generation grabbed the lead from Buttercup heading home.
A gritty Buttercup valiantly responded and put on the after-burners to fly home first. Puteri Santubong III took down Beauty Generation towards the finishing line to finish second.
Datuk Peter Chin, Chairman of Royal Sabah Turf Club said: “In addition to first-class thoroughbred races which we had just witnessed, there are compelling Class 4 and Class 5 races as well.
“The likes of Sariche, My Wife Melody, Ratu First (Class 4) and Moana, Magic Blinks, Piping Time (Class 5) and many others are set to thrill racing fans at Tambalang Racecourse (Tuaran) as we enter the final quarter of this racing season. My heartiest congratulations to all the winners “.