Great start to the Classics at Mahalaxmi
The opening classic day of the season, The Giantti by Gitanjali Indian 1000 Guineas had just what the doctor ordered. Wintry cool, a terrific all trophy card, Bollywood presence, launches and prizes, superb jockeyship, topped off by a superlative finish to the classic race itself. Even a writer could not have scripted it better.
The fillies classic fell to the outstation challenger in Siachen, to give Dr.Vijay Mallya his third 1,000 Guineas win within the space of a few weeks. The filly was given an inspired copy book ride by Chris Hayes- who is having a cracking season already. Moonlight Romance was not disgraced.
If Chris Hayes excelled, the ride by Stephen Pasquier on first timer Amadeus was nothing short of brilliant. The Frenchman gave a lesson or two to even our best jockeys on what good horsemanship is all about. It was sheer delight to see him ride the got abroad hands and heels on his first mount in India.
App. Jockey A.Sandesh had the best day of his racing career, winning four races viz. Gerrad, Amore Mio, Pepe Junior & Dancing Glances.
The presence of Karisma Kapoor, a guest of Kishore Dhingra, had a buzz on the lawns. The ex- leading lady has lost none of her charm and was most charming in her words and style in giving away the Jaspal Sprint Million Trophy.
Corporate head honchos- Mehul Choksi, Chairman of Gitanjali Gems and Rakesh Wadhawan, Chairman, HDIL were both sighted in the paddock. Mr Choksi gave away the trophy for the Guineas, accompanied by the new face of Giantti, Shazahn Padamsee- who said how delighted she was by her first visit to Mahalaxmi.
Two launches by the RWITC Chairman brought a special cheer. The first was the opening of the spanking new air conditioned lounge for members on the third deck, followed by the release of the Indian Stallions Register in the paddock. The stallion register has the look and feel of an international publication.
The day featured the live streaming on the RWITC web site, which must have been watched by patrons all over the world. The race day went live on ET NOW for three hours with expert compering and terrific camerawork and one hopes it will bring in revived interest in the Sport of Kings.
