It is depressing to see such a pathetic race card for what is technically the second day of the long winding Mumbai racing season on Thursday, said a veteran race goer. His feelings were echoed by many others of his ilk and rightfully so. The first few days of racing during the Mumbai season have lacked luster as trainers generally prefer to move their horses late November or early December perhaps wanting the horses to enjoy the cooler climate of Pune. Ironically Pune racing closes in October when the weather begins to turn benign. Conditions are far from ideal at Mumbai in November. The authorities would do well to consider extending the Pune season late into November and start the Mumbai season in December. Such an arrangement is sure to be welcomed by the professionals. Till such time the change is made, one has to make do with the poor cards that will be the feature during this month.

Be that as it may, Janis Jay claimed the feature event, the Sir Rahimtoola Chinoy Trophy, a race for horses rated 60 to 86. The Myth who had won the Guineas at Mysore had run poorly in the Pune Derby as she bled during the race. This was the reason why the odds expanded on The Myth as fears of her bleeding again dominated the thinking of the punters. And they were right in their belief as The Myth who cruised into contention inside the final two furlongs, drifted out under pressure and weakened to finish a poor second ahead of the only other runner in the race, Cactus Cash. She reportedly burst her blood vessels. In what was a painfully slow run race, Janis Jay skipped away to provide veteran jockey Srinath with a win in his familiar role as the retained jockey for Jaydev Mody.

Short priced Bon Vivant from the yards of champion trainer Pesi Shroff just about managed to oblige huge expectations in the 1200 metres Snow Plate, a race for three year olds only. Bon Vivant was pinched at the start and fell back to the last position but thereafter, jockey Ashish rode a cheeky waiting race which could have gone against him. Luckily for him, Ocean Dream who went on a start to finish mission and established a good lead in the straight, shortened her strides close home which enabled Bon Vivant to overhaul the front runner in the waning yards of the race. Sail Past who chased the front runner did not show any spark in the straight and settled for third position.


Janardhan trained Ladybird proved too good for the opposition in the1000 metres J V Shukla-Ashwamitra Trophy, a race for horses rated 40 to 66. Ashish had Ladybird move steadily from the outside draw to be in striking position and kicked clear of the fronting Artiste in the final furlong to win easily. Ainra edged past Artiste to claim the runner up berth. Egyptiana who was bidding for a hat-trick was two necks behind the winner.

Imtiaz Sait saddled a brace of winners as the well backed Simply Sweet got up in nick of time to edge out Fibonacci Sequence who had shaped to cause an upset in the Race of Hope Gold Cup, a race for horses rated 20 to 46. Pepito who had his share of supporters was a disappointing third.

Favourite Statuesque lasted out to win the 1000 metres Kiara Plate, a race for horses rated 20 to 46 in the hands of Yash Narredu. Mateus Rose showed lot of spirit towards the close with a belated charge but fell short in the end. Dark William too showed up with a flourish but had to settle for the third place.

Narendra Lagad trained Royal Sapphire justified the short price on her in the 1200 metres Star Admiral Plate, a race for lowest category horses, with a start to finish dash, expanding the lead to well over six lengths at the finish. Romantic Racer came from a long way back to finish second.

Lagad had success in another lowest category race as Suntan Beauty overcame a sluggish start and proved too strong for the rest in the 1600 metres Grand Passion Plate. Suntan Beauty stormed clear in the final two furlongs and won with ease from Marcos and a tamely running favourite Bonobo.