Champ de Mars Track Record Broken in Morning Gallops

In a stunning display of speed and athleticism, four-year-old gelding Lightning Bolt shattered the 1600m track record at Champ de Mars during this morning's training session. The son of Silvano clocked an impressive 1:34.52, breaking the previous record by over two seconds.

Trainer Michel Figaro was visibly excited after the gallop: "Lightning Bolt has been showing exceptional form in training, but this morning exceeded all our expectations. The track conditions were perfect, and he just flew."

The performance has immediately elevated Lightning Bolt to favoritism for Saturday's Grade 1 Duke of York Cup, with bookmakers slashing his odds from 8/1 to 5/2. The race, worth Rs 2.5 million, is considered the most prestigious event on the Mauritius racing calendar.

Jockey Kevin Nabob, who guided Lightning Bolt during the gallop, praised the horse's acceleration: "He picked up so smoothly turning for home. I've never felt anything quite like it at Champ de Mars."