Rakesh-trained Definite Believe (Hymn-Princess Cut) cut a smart timing over the six-furlong trip, in the Stewards Cup, the feature event of Wednesday’s races at Mysore. The five-year-old, being the most consistent among the 11 runners, was installed as the firm favourite, winding up at less than even money. Being a speedy type, Definite Believe took charge approaching the 800 metres and passed the winning post safely ahead of Nishi Girl, who tried to put up a brave fight but withered under pressure.

The Stewards of the Mysore Race Club, after due enquiry, pronounced the punishments in cases relating to the infamous Byzantine episode and jockey Melvyn Maseyk. It may be recalled that stones were recovered under the saddle of Byzantine while unsaddling and an enquiry was opened into the incident. In the same race, jockey Melvyn Maseyk was charged with holding up a race after he set a pre-condition to ride a horse called Favourite. He had refused to ride Favourite with blinkers on, after weighing out and the horse had to be subsequently withdrawn. R. Mallikarjuna, trainer of Byzantine, along with the Jammedar of the stable, has been suspended till the end of Mysore Summer Season and has been further recommended to the stewards of the Bangalore Turf Club for extension of suspension up to a period of two years. Jockey Melvyn has also been suspended till the end of the ensuing Mysore season and further reported to the Stewards of B.T.C. to enhance the punishment till the end of March 2012.

Rakesh pocketed a double with his ward Blues And Royals (Sussex-Ingenuity) lifting the opening race, The Hiriyur Plate. Jockey Md. Sameer guided the filly to the front within the first furlong of the race and kept up a steady pace to beat the rest convincingly. The favourite Catapult improved from the rear with a strong bid but found the winner too hot to handle and had to settle with the runner-up berth.

Md. Sameer, who has been the pick of the apprentice riders this season, rode Hampton Court (San Francisco-Golden Collection) to a thrilling win in The Kanchanganga Plate. With the double, Sameer moved to 20 wins in his career, thereby shedding off a kilo from his allowance. River Rule was the first to pack up after disputing the lead with Greenbro till the top of the straight. Behram got the better of Greenbro inside the last 200 metres and was looking good when Hampton Court moved menacingly from the rear and managed to peg back Behram in the shadow of the winning post. Evanston warmed up late to finish a close third.

Trainer Micheal Eshwar showcased two classy youngsters from his yard, Shaka Zulu (Alnasr Alwasheek-Bay Of Angels) and Iron Marshall (Placerville-Rivage). Installed at cramped odds, both of them gave an armchair ride to jockey Y.S. Srinath. Shaka Zulu bided his time behind the leader Set Me Free till turning for home and stretched out effortlessly, to score an encore, in the lower division of The Goa Plate. Aahana and Good Speed went past the wire in that order in a close finish, many lengths behind the winner. In the higher division of the race, Iron Marshall, a surprise loser here, over a similar trip recently, made amends by wrapping up by a distance.

Pratap Kamath’s Roto Rooa (Mazillier-One Eyed Wonder) was the biggest upset of the day. Setting out in front right from the start, Roto Rooa held on gamely to register a shocking win. Showhorse, Haggler and Mr. Sunrise were all out to topple the leader in the last 100 metres but their effort went in vain and it was Truthandfaith who made a late appearance, flying from the rear, to take the second spot.

Santosh Rao’s Crackerjack (Royal Gladiator-Maxim’s) pulled off a quite gamble for the stable, lifting The Alberetto Plate, beating Crown Prince. Crown Prince led till 150 metres out and let go when he felt pains in his legs. Crown Prince was reported to have returned lame on his right hind after the race. The favourite Good Companion finished a tame third.