Pune: Punters favourite Ruffina was pipped at the post by Timeless from the stables of SK Sunderji to win the Pune Bookmakers’ Association Turf Club Trophy, at the Pune Race Course here on Sunday.
On an afternoon of mixed fortunes for punters, the seven-race card saw a sprinkling of favourites and quite a few outsiders as well winning.
Timeless came from way back of the pack and called the shots in the Grade 3 race for Terms, Horses, 4-years-old-and-over, which was the highlight of Saturday’s races.
Timeless went on to beat its closest rival Ruffina by a long neck as CS Jodha came up with some astute riding.
Ruffina was in a clear lead and could have won easily but jockey Neeraj Rawal, seemingly pulled the plug, which calls for the club and stewards to inquire into the running of this race.
Epiphany wins Moosa M Hoosein Trophy
The least fancied Epiphany won the Moosa M Hoosein Trophy, the Division I Class IV Handicap race for Indian Horses rated 20 to 46.
Piloted by P Trevor, Epiphany gained course in the middle of the race slowly overtaking Polyneices, La Magnifique and Orion’s Belt before winning by Long Neck.
The trophy is instituted by grandsons of Moosa M Hoosein, a renowned trainer at the Club, in memory of their grandfather who trained many champion horses.
Trained by Nazak Chenoy, Epiphany is from the Manjri Stud Farms for Phoenix Tower and Merwaha (Ire).
In other key race of the day, P Trevor rode Princess P to win the Merint Dubai Million over Gallant Knight.
Results:
Race 1: 1. Bernice, 2. Joplin, 3. Bonafide, 4. Fleur Delys. Won by: 6 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 3/4. Time: 1:10.69.
Race 2: 1. Eden Rock, 2. Scion, 3. Godsword, 3. Sandra. Won by: 1/2, 1 ¾, Dead Heat, 3/4. Time: 1:11.95.
Race 3: 1. Kilkarry Bridge, 2. Hindland Lass, 3. Myrcella, 4. Cavarozzi. Won by: 5 1/4, 6 1/2, 2 ½, 2 1/2. Time: 1:10.24.
Race 4: 1. Princess P, 2. Gallant Knight, 3. Wise Child, 4. Miss Moneypenny. Won by: 1 1/4, 3/4, ¾, 2 3/4. Time: 58.19s.
Race 5: 1. Timeless, 2. Ruffina, 3. Your Royal Majesty, 4. New England. Won by: Long Neck, 3/4, 1, 4 3/4.Time: 1:23.52.
Race 6: 1. Epiphany, 2. Polyneices, 3. La Maginifique, 4. Orion’s Belt. Won by: Long Neck, Long Neck, 4 ¼, Long Neck. Time: 1:10.55.
Race 7: 1. Pathan, 2. Shivalik Skies, 3. Cray Cray, 4. Romantic Eyes. Won by: 3 3/4, 1/2, 2, 1 1/4. Time 1:53.09.
