Touch of Grey, a multi-classic winner trained by Satish Narredu, lived up to expectations by asserting his dominance again over Knotty Charmer in the prestigious Gr 1 South India Derby. This important event unfolded on the auspicious Pongal Day, making it a grand celebration in the Chennai Racing Calendar. The Narredu clan experienced a joyous festival as Touch of Grey, a progeny of Top Class from the Tohana Stud, lived up to expectations, with Suraj Narredu, as usual, excelling in the saddle.

Handled with supreme confidence, Touch of Grey successfully thwarted the formidable challenge posed by Knotty Charmer. Jockey Suraj Narredu, described by an Australian journalist as having been "literally on fire" in India since his brief stint in Australia, expertly guided Touch of Grey to victory in a display of strategic finesse.

Led by M A M R Muthiah and his dedicated team, the Madras Race Club meticulously organized an outstanding weekend program tailored for diverse groups of horses. Unfortunately, the scheduling clash occurred when RWITC decided to hold its Oaks on the same day originally slated for the South India Oaks. This last-minute change adversely impacted the participation of several top jockeys on the initial day of the two-day event, creating a regrettable situation for both racing enthusiasts and participants.

In anticipation of the Derby, where ten contenders vied for victory, the stage was set for a head-to-head clash between Touch of Grey and Knotty Charmer, both boasting impressive achievements in their racing careers. Renowned for their excellence as milers, the challenge at hand was the uncharted territory of a mile-and-a-half trip, a test of endurance for these exceptional horses. Despite concerns about the taxing distance based on their breeding, their undeniable class suggested an ability to overcome any barriers.

Touch of Grey held a slight advantage, having previously triumphed over a mile and a quarter. Knotty Charmer, guided by the promising jockey Vivek G, faced initial competition from Golden Warrior, who kept pace for half the distance before fading. The unexpected competition from Golden Warrior, hailing from a friendly stable, didn`t sit well with Knotty Charmer`s connections.

As the race unfolded, Knotty Charmer led into the straight with Touch of Grey in close pursuit. A fierce battle ensued, with Knotty Charmer fighting tenaciously until Touch of Grey, propelled by a powerful drive, seized the lead close to home. The talented grey secured victory by a length and a half, clocking an impressive time of two minutes and 28.108 seconds. This marked Touch of Grey`s fourth consecutive classic win, following his earlier triumphs in the Mysore including in the Mysore Derby in October.



Suraj Narredu, the winning jockey, expressed confidence in his victory and stated his readiness to lead from start to finish in the absence of pace. Despite stretching his reserves to the fullest, Touch of Grey`s exceptional performance affirmed Narredu`s strategic approach. Notably, some of the partners of both horses were locally based, even though the horses themselves were located in Bangalore. Tragically, one of Touch of Grey`s partners, Apana Subaiya, who had previously enjoyed success with War Hammer in the Indian Derby, passed away in December.

Earlier in the day, consistent performer Shamrock was guided to victory by Suraj Narredu in the Gr 3 Dr M A M Ramaswamy Memorial Trophy, a terms race for four-year-olds and over. Hyderabad challenger Ashwa Morocco led from the start and had a useful lead going into the final furlong. However, Shamrock and Imperial Blue from Bangalore, closed in with powerful efforts, with Shamrock predictably winning the race with a measure of comfort in the end.

The Gr 2 South India Oaks, held a day earlier, went the way of Something Royal from the stables of trainer J Sebastian. The progeny of Speaking Of Which who had earlier won the Guineas relished the extended trip of 2400 metres, with a start-to-finish win in the hands of jockey Vivek G with its regular jockey Pradeep Chouhan missing out on the winning ride due to his commitment at Mumbai on the same day. Something Royal could have found herself running in the Derby had the Oaks not been postponed due to continuous rains which had upset the racing programme at Chennai, throwing things topsy turvy.