Leo D’Silva trained Coral Gables continued to show his amazing zest for racing while recording his 30th career win by annexing the 1400 metres Mysore Race Club Cup, a Category I race, the main event of races held at Malakpet on Sunday.

The 10-year old champion has been given continuous extension by the authorities to race as the progeny of Young Senor consistently excelled at the top level and was putting to shade his younger rivals. The fact that he has maintained his supremacy for such a long period no doubt highlights his undoubted ability though this diminishes the caliber of younger horses. In the past, horses above six years were not allowed to race but the authorities have made an exception to Coral Gables and his performance is a justification for the relaxation of the rule. All and said, full credit must go to trainer Leo D’Silva who has been able to keep the horse to perform at optimum level for such a long time. Incidentally, Coral Gables was an Indian representative during the Dubai Racing Carnival a few years ago.

Vijayrath who has struck a purple patch was the favourite to win with Kings Cruise also enjoying his share of supporters. Race goers continued to put their faith in Coral Gables as he was backed down from a higher quote to eventually close at 4/1. Orochi was the customary pace setter as the field settled down to traverse the seven furlong trip. Vijayrath was in a handy third position while Coral Gables and Kings Cruise were in the rear group, biding for their time. Rounding the final turn, Orochi shot his bolt, allowing Vijayrath to surge ahead. Kings Cruise joined the issue with the favourite even as jockey Imran Khan brought Coral Gables into contention with a run in the middle. Kings Cruise assumed command with a furlong out but Coral Gables who came up with his patented finishing effort caught up with the front runner in the shadow of the post and went ahead to record a comfortable win. The cut in the ground also helped Coral Gables who is known to relish such a surface.

Orient Glory who had run a forward race in his last outing, was strongly backed to win the Wanaparthy Trophy (Div I), a Category II race. Kuchipudi also was strongly favored to win by her connections. Orient Glory, who was drawn the widest, missed the kick and lost considerable ground at the start which in the end made a crucial difference to the outcome of the race. Kuchipudi, who raced in about the sixth position till turning for home, steadily covered the leeway on the front running Indian Gate and despite cutting an erratic chart, was well clear of Orient Glory. Ruffiano ran on to finish third. Rank outsider Disco Flash brought off a stunning upset in the lower division race with a powerful run from way behind to get the better of Young Soldier and managed to neck out Vigoroso at the post. Young Solider broke into a big lead from the start which perhaps undid his chances as he slackened in the dying moments of the race and was passed yards away from the winning post. A neck and a head separated the first three placed horses. Favourite Tristar had all chances in the final furlong but failed to pick up speed and faded out of contention.

Blazing Asian towered over the opposition by virtue of his impressive performance in his last outing. The progeny of Razeen toyed with the opposition en route to an impressive win. Dartos The Msucle chased the winner to eventually end up second. Democracy just about held on to take the third slot ahead of Kohinoor Fairytale.

Jockey Pradeep Chouhan drove out Fly By Wire with all the resources at his command to get past the front running Dash of Class in the final stages of the race. Favourite Chiquelle ran below market expectations. Long time leader Royal Embassy was a faraway third.

Ananth Vatsalya trained Airborne Magic appreciated the step up in distance as he left the field standing at the top of the straight to win the 2000 metres Con Amore Cup by a widening margin of nine lengths over Arcturus. Favourite Brianna failed to keep pace with the field and fell behind approaching the final bend to end up as a poor third.

The well backed Hard Kingdom had no problem in staving off the threat posed by Royal Shaan and Seno Rita and win the 1100 metres Fire Haven Plate, a race for maiden three year olds.