Obligado was the firm favourite to win but those hoping to cash in on the form displayed by the Puttanna trainee, backed Double Eagle spiritedly. Adolfito had his share of supporters though the big made son of Tejano would certainly have not enjoyed the underfoot conditions which had rendered the track less than satisfactory. But Obligado was expected to do well because he had won the Derby in similar going last year. Perfect Venue set the pace, with Obligado taking a forward position early on only to drop back after the field settled down. Adolfito was in close attendance of the favourite while Double Eagle graced the rear. Passing the 700 metres marker, Obligado once again moved up to take a prominent position along with Augill Castle while Adolfito was struggling to find foot. 

Augill Castle enjoyed himself in the front even as Srinath brought Double Eagle the shortest way home. After a brief tussle with the stablemate, Double Eagle got strong home and won with a great deal of comfort. Adolifito finished on to take the third spot ahead of Obligado. The pace maker ended last. Jockey Harish has been the toast of the Mysore crowd this season. He has been striking consistently and has shown a distinct hunger for accumulating winners by sheer persistence. 

Duoble Eagle (Srinath up) winner of The Madras Race Club Cup being led by trainer Puttana

Trainer receiving the cup from Mr. A. R. Subramanaya

Metalique who had run great races in classic company, was expected to win the Safi Darashah Memorial Trophy without much fuss but jockey Appu did not exactly distinguish himself by riding the favourite to the ground. Despite being the widest of the lot, Appu hustled Metalique to go past the front-running Brush With Fame. Metalique kicked clear of the field and had a break of more than five lengths in the final furlong but the filly ran out of gas when Avignon came up with a big challenge close home. Metalique grounded to a halt even as Avignon won convincingly. 

Inner Light (Harish up) winner of The Ranganathittu Plate Div I being led by trainer D. Byramji & owner.

Harish faced no problems on favourite Inner Light in the concluding race of the day. After racing Inner Light in the fifth or sixth position, Harish brought Inner Light with a well-timed run through the middle to get the measure of Star Possession. The favourite stretched away to win in emphatic fashion. Star Possession weakened considerably and lost the runner-up berth to Royal Prose. Ryan Marshall incurred the wrath of the Stewards for his `tender’’ handling of Alybaby.

Jockey Srinath had a profitable day, booting home three winners. Water Brook was the firm favourite to win the Shimoga Plate (Div II) as the withdrawal of Celestial Star from the fray made way for the son of Twist And Turn to show his mettle. Despite being tardy at the start and taken wide by Matchless Dancer approaching the final bend, Water Brook proved too good for the opposition, winning as he pleased. Narasimha who rode Matchless Dancer was suspended for a few days for being a mere passenger rather a pilot. Srinath’s other winner of the day came in the upper division of the same race where he guided Michael Eshwer’s Grunstein to a start to finish victory. North Berwick once again finished second best.

The gold and brown brigade, who has been playing truant, however, was seen to advantage in the day’s opener. Prospector’s Delite managed to stave off the challenge of Beauty Mission to give Prakash once of those rare wins of the season. The biggest upset of the day came when Gypsie’s Wish powered his way to victory in the Nandi Plate where fancied Xorra and Mambo King failed to live up to expectations. 

Water Brook (Srinath up) winner of The Shimoga Plate Div II being led by trainer C.A. Kuts

Gypsie's Wish (P Ramesh up) winner of  The Nandi Plate being led by trainer Prashanth

Avignon (Harish up) winner of The Safi Darashah Memorail Trophy being led by trainer Byramji

Trainer  Byramji receiving the trophy from Mrs. Linda Darashah

Grunstein (Srinath up) winner of The Shimoga Plate Div I being led by trainer Eshwer

Viking Victor (David Badel up) winner of The Chickamagalur Plate being led by trainer Byramji

Racings Incidents

Mysore Regular Season 2003 - Review Archives