Pune: The day belonged to Raees as he steered to victory in the late Suresh Mahindra Trophy which is Pune seasons longest race and was run over a distance of over 3200 metres at the Pune Race Course on Saturday.
Racegoers were treated to the most thrilling race of the day as sparring rivals ran all around the course keeping a watchful eye on one another until they entered the final bout of the marathon contest. At the end of it, both Frivolous and Vulcan were still standing on their feet. It was Raees who won narrowly.
From the start of the race, it looked a battle of wits. The paddock looked a lot more spacious than usual on Saturday with Mr and Mrs Hoosain S. Nensey and Mr Saif H. Nensey rep. Raees’ camp and the Imtiaz A. Sait camp occupying the area.
However, the tense atmosphere was evident as the anxiety and commotion was at a high level.
Last minute instructions and suggestions were pouring in on the two jockeys as to how best one could outlast the other. And as the gates opened, the crowds jeered more than they cheered, as the four-horse field resembled a mock race.
The way the race finally turned out, the wonderful equines could mock at us humans, providing a lesson that nothing can be considered a foregone conclusion.
Square Moon and Vulcan set off in that order, not more than 4-3 lengths separating them at any juncture.
As the race went past 2000 meters, Raees thought that he was working in the morning work out and tried to stop to move out from the main gate which is used to go out after work but the rider of Raees tried to settle the horse but it was two late to catch the winner.
Results:
Race 1: 1. Zanzibaar, 2. Artus, 3. Gold Magic, 4. Hope And Glory. Won by: 1 1/4, 1 3/4, 3/4, 2 3/4. Time: 1:39:99.
Race 2: 1. Lorraine, 2. Natalma, 3. Godsword, 4. Queens Best. Won by: 2 1/2, 2 1/4, 1, 3 1/2. Time: 1:25.83.
Race 3: 1. Tasawwur, 2. Mystic Flame, 3. Grand Chieftain, 4. Dancing Hooves. Won by: Nose, 9 1/2, 5 1/2, 3/4, 2 3/4. Time: 1:40.30.
Race 4: 1. Royston Rock, 2. Bay Of Love, 3. Shakin Stevens, 4. Fire Flame. Won by: 2 1/2, 1/2, 1/2, 1 3/4. Time1:11.13.
Race 5: 1. Masterofbalantrae, 2. Star Of Thea, 3. Queen Credible, 4. Excellent Gold .Won by: 2 1/4, 1 3/4, Short Neck, 1/2. Time: 1:25.84.
Race 6: 1. Intense Stylist, 2. Timeless Deeds, 3. Angels Harmony, 4. Raise A Grand. Won by: 7 3/4, 1 1/4, Head, 1 1/2. Time: 1:25.60.
Race 7: 1. Dance Fire, 2. Dusky Siren, 3. Julio Cesaro, 4. Sandra. Won by: 3/4, Head, Neck, 1.
Time: 1:12.21.
Race 8: 1. Pokerface, 2. Slam Dunk, 3. Gold Field, 4. Riquewihr. Won by: 2 3/4, Short Neck, 3/4. Time: 0:58.20.
Race 9: 1. Raees, 2. Frivolous, 3. Vulcan, 4. Square Moon. Won by: Long Neck, 1, 17, 3/4. Time: 3:31.86.
Selections for Pune Races, October 14
Pune: The Pune racing season comes to its zenith with the running of the Pune Derby (Gr1) on Sunday. The Pune Derby looks all set for an exciting finish. Seven runners will vie for honours. The man for the big occasions most would believe is D Todywalla, whose achievements, both as jockey and trainer is right up there and that’s what makes his string of horses appear sharper and are most fancied.
Excellent to be ridden by jockey Neeraj Rawal, is owned by Dr Cyrus S Poonawalla, Mr Adar C Poonawalla and Mrs Natasha A Poonawalla rep. Villoo Poonawalla Racing and Breeding Pvt Limited.
First Race at 1 pm
Race 1: 1000m Kingston Heath (2) Divine Power (1) Bidstone Hill (6).
Race 2: 1600m Astounding Bay (2) Blazing Bay (3) Arabesque (5).
Race 3: 1200m Stormy Atlantic (6) Jetfire (2) Artista (9).
Race 4: 2400m Excellent Ella (4) Jager Bomb (1) Boomerang (8).
Race 5: 1400m Star Bright (10) Star Comrade (2) Kimberella (9).
Race 6: 1200m Ruffina (1) Governor General (6) Timeless (2).
Race 7: 2000m Excellent (4) Pioneer (6) Desperado (3).
Race 8: 1200m Lord Commander (5) Loire (4) Cracklin’ Rosie (7) Clark Kent (10).
Race 9: 1000m Art Deco (2) Brave (4) Kiss From A Rose (8) Padmakosa (14).
Day’s best: Lord Commander (8-5).
