Despite being confined to a wheelchair, Rutherford Alford (Richard's son) saddled the first winner of his career at Calcutta last Saturday. The prize colt Lycia Falcon lived up to his ante-post favouritism as he made mincemeat of the opposition in the Calcutta Million—a Grade I event run over a mile. Not surprisingly, the youngster had tears of joy in his eyes as he led in his maiden winner piloted by the vastly experienced Mallesh Narredu.

Lycia Falcon won this prize event without being fully stretched and is certain to be heard of more often in the future. In the same race, the stipes took Christopher Alford to task for causing interference to Bountiful Talent and Accalia while astride Exclusivity.

The supporting event, The Indian Air Force Cup, saw the sparingly raced Silver Fox come good easier than verdict.  Jockey Neeraj Rawal piloted this Vijay Singh-trained chestnut who is being placed judiciously by his mentor and picking up races at will.

The rider who stole the show on this afternoon was C.S. Jodha who notched up a fine treble. Jodha's winners were the speedy Oojah, the classy Supreme Attraction and the fashionably bred Apostrophe whose time over the metric mile was marginally better than the Falcon's. However, Apostrophe had to stave off a strong challenge from the hapless  Imran Chisty atop Major Starr.

Chisty's sole winner of the afternoon was Pursuit Of Power in the curtain-raiser, the Bookmaker's Association Cup. The six-year-old mare produced an encore while keeping at bay the vastly improved Italian Affair. Surreale seems to have lost form in the second half of the season.

Jockey Neeraj Rawal notched up the first of his two wins with Apassionata despite carrying a crushing impost. The Vijay Singh-trained runner proved that she is not meant for the lowest class. Jaiswal's Dil Chahta Hai continued to earn his corn bill as he placed a healthy second.

The shocker of the day came in the form of Master Coup who lived up to his name for his connections while winning the Spats Colombo Handicap.