Southern Command Weekend Simply Awesome - By Mahendra Mallya
Posted on - 11 Sep 2012
Southern Command Weekend Simply Awesome
By Mahendra Mallya
For the first time ever, the Southern Command wing of the Indian Army staged a magnificent demonstration of warfare activities and marching drill, depicting actions of the battlefield. This amazing exercise was played in two sessions.
The Pune racecourse always wears a ‘green’ look with its meticulously laid race-track replicating the billiard table. This time however, the stands matched it too, with Army personnel, dressed immaculately in their smart Army Green turn-outs, conspicuous in their numbers in the Grand Stands.
The first event was the Army Band Display. Two groups, to the right and left of the Stands began marching in elegant sync. The Military Band is a set combination of wood wind, brass and percussion instruments. It is believed that the military tunes played by the Army Band actually made individuals come together as one and acquire collective identity. In this state, the feeling of fear and pain is lost. It also brings about religious dedication to the interests of the group as a whole to a point of sacrifice. This is considered highly motivating.
The elegant March was followed by a team of Para-motors who glided through the skies, with motors attached to their backs and the inflated chute spreading overhead. This is an effective way to commute over the countryside and the gliders can take-off from level ground anywhere. This comes in handy for operations to insert Special Forces behind enemy lines or into desired areas for specific special operations.
The Indian Army is the world’s third largest comprising of 1.3 million work-forces. The demonstration given by the Jawans and their officers were to be seen to be believed. The centre of the racecourse was converted into a high activity ‘war-zone’. Helicopters, Tanks, Artillery Guns and Air Defense Guns were on display. A breathtaking war drill demonstration was high octane and finally when the Indian Tri-Colour was hoisted, the cheering got to a deafening level. Five choppers then floated across the Grand Stands with the tricolor fluttering, bringing the demo to conclusion. The record turnout had seen something very special and the thunderous applause was evidence as people realized the role of the Indian Army in ensuring peace and security to the citizens of the country.
“It was one of the best Army Days ever in its illustrious history. The mass band on the track, the replicating of a battle field on the centre of the race course, the helicopter fly past, were to be seen to be believed. The increase in attendance by 35% is proof of the spectacular success of the day,” said Mr Vivek Jain.
“It feels good to be here and the equine sport is something the Army has always supported. The display what you saw today is a replica reproduced for you to witness the effort the Army takes in battle situations. I congratulate my officers and Jawans for the wonderful show that they put in while also thanking them for all their painstaking efforts,” said Lt Gen AK Singh.
The racing fraternity was in complete awe of the entire show put up by the Army. “One gets to know the fearlessness and dedication of the Army men. Theirs is the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. The show was a firsthand experience that one rarely gets to see. Great day, great show by the Army,” said Mr Zavaray Poonawalla.
“This is simply breathtaking. It was fantastic to witness such bold exercises and we get an idea of how our Army operates is such testing situations,” said Narendra Lagad, whose ward Monza hoisted his personal winning flag on the race track.
Trainer Karthik Ganapathy was totally taken in by the demo. “This was absolutely fascinating. A real close-up view of the tanks, those big cannon-like guns, the choppers, men dropping from the sky, wow, it was amazing. I have seen nothing like this before. It was totally gripping. This makes you realize the dangerous situations our Army faces and what it takes to tackle such eventualities so well. We read about this and see this only in the movies but after witnessing this live, my respect for the Indian Army has grown multi-fold. I feel lucky to have seen this so closely,” he said.
The punters too were totally engrossed in the deadly demonstration. “This is the best show I have seen exclaimed one regular punter. Realizing what the Army does for us, my heart goes out to those who sacrifice their lives for our security. These are true heroes in real life. Looking at them, I feel our problems are so petty. It was as adventurous as it was emotional. Jai-Hind,” he said, saluting the Army.
Earlier in the forenoon, a ‘brunch’ was organized to inaugurate the Ball Room at the Turf Club House. GOC, Southern Command, Lt Gen AK Singh was the Guest of Honor and he was received by the Club’s Chairman Mr Vivek Jain, and committee members Mr KN Dhunjibhoy and Mr Geoffrey Nagpal. The Army Commander, after the traditional ‘Ribbon-Cutting’ Ceremony, uncorked a bottle of Champagne in celebration. The Ball Room, now air conditioned with a spiffed up look, won the admiration of all present, for its mix of heritage ambience and modern look.
On the racing front, Star of Gibraltar once again soared to glory with another superlative performance on the track. He won a keen tussle with Star Trainer to land the Southern Command Gold Trophy and pick up his third victory on the trot, thus compiling a sensational hat-trick. “I did nothing extra in his training rituals. He has just peaked to top form. He is obviously in top condition and all I am doing is keeping him happy. I guess he is just forming a winning habit and all I do is to encourage him,” said trainer Dallas Todywalla, who had a terrific week saddling five winners in two days!
Star Future from Antia’s yard scored a fantastic victory surprising the entire field with amazing ease. All the pre-race notions about the Akkasaheb Maharaj Trophy being a closely fought race were proved 
to the contrary by Star Future’s lightening gallop down in the straight. He won start to finish without encountering any resistance whatsoever.
Scarlet Pimpernel realized what it means to take on Class I competition. Attempting in the highest class for the first time, Scarlet Pimpernel ran to her abilities only to find one better in Dancing Glances. The latter had gone down closely to Rajasthan Royals last time out. However, this time, Dancing Glances looked more determined and dished out a strong performance to win the Odds On Trophy.
“It was a narrow loss last time and although we were a bit disappointed, we did not lose confidence in her,” said Mr Solomon Sopher owner representing the Sopher Racing Syndicate. “This time she thrilled us with his victory which we all felt was overdue. She should have won the last race too, but I will take this one. I am happy,” said Mr Sopher.
Dr MAM Ramaswamy’s Supreme Minstrel lashed out to those who had written her off by compiling a Ramaswamy victory without toiling hard to win the September Handicap. This was an absolute turnaround comparing to her modest earlier starts this season.
“Blinkers did the job to a large extent,” explained trainer Karthik. I had noticed in all his previous starts that Supreme Minstrel would gallop well until the bend and then when the other horses rally around, he would sort of, get a bit uncomfortable. I found him blowing normally after the race so that gave me an indication that all was right with him but something was bothering him. I discussed this with boss (Dr MAM) and we both agreed that blinkers may do the trick. Well, to say that we were right would be an understatement. I am thrilled with his victory and impressed with the manner. He has earned his rest now and I shall not race him anytime soon. Maybe in October,” said Karthik.
Over all this was one of the most action packed weekend in a long time, in every sense. The joys of racing served along with high-octane dramatic demonstration of the army operations made the weekend’s racing experience rare and special.
