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Gallant Hachiko Wins Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi-Million

By Mahendra Mallya | 26 Feb 2012 | MUMBAI


Mr & Mrs Vijay B. Shirke & trainer M K Jadhav leading Hachiko (B Prakash Up), winner of The Poonawalla Breeders' Multi-Million (Grade 1)

It was ‘mission accomplished’ of sorts for childhood mates, one a top notch owner, Mr Vijay Shirke,  the other a trainer of integrity and substance, MK Jadhav. The association between the two is time tested, while the warmth and cordial ties between them are genuine and refreshing. Getting to see ‘Vijay and Mania’ lead in the Poonawalla Breeders Multi-Million then, is akin to stepping out of a Cinema after watching a happy-ending of a top quality movie. This victory would carry even more value to both these fine gentlemen, since neither of them had ever led in a winner in the ‘Juvenile Derby’ in its history of twenty odd years! They have won many races, a number of Classics and the Invitation Cup as well, but the Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi-Million had eluded them. Shirke’s wonder filly Jacqueline had finished third behind Versaki and Gypsy Magic in the 2009 edition of the race, but that was in her developing years. At last, after so many years, the PBMM trophy too will now adorn his well-filled trophy mantle.     

The Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi-Million panned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable day at the races. The colourful cosmopolitan crowd were vocal and vibrant and the general atmosphere was one of fun and frolic. The crowds were pouring in from all directions and swanky luxury cars streamlined at the gates to drop off the elite and the petite of the society.

The huge display gates of the PBMM branding caught the eye as one walked in. A glaring sign informing entrants of a Volkswagen Polo car on offer for anyone who would predict the first four placing of the PBMM race was too prominent to miss. The Poonawallas were the first to introduce this grand prize of a car way back in 1992 and to this day, this concept conceived by them, is hugely popular.

Thus, with the pulse ticking from the start of the day, happy faces and a healthy foreign contingent were spread across the members’ enclosure to witness a new juvenile champion in the making. A large delegation from Australia including the Premier – Victoria State (everyone referred to him as Premier), Ms Louise Asher, MLA Victoria State, Minister of Tourism, and Ms Amanda Elliott, Vice-Chairperson of the Victoria Race Club, home of the Melbourne Cup, were present to display the Melbourne Cup to the racing fraternity here. That was another memorable moment of the day, when Ms Amanda held the 18 carat gold trophy with pride and joy.

“You have a wonderful racecourse here and the racing action is competitive as well. I am here to display the Melbourne Cup and take this opportunity to welcome you all to the Melbourne Cup Carnival which is run on the first Tuesday of November. This race has a rich history of just over 150 years and this is one race that stops the nation. I would like you all to come and witness this race this November,” said Ms Amanda.  

Back to the racing activities, the horses, young and strong, looked a picture in the paddock, and Shivalik Hero was the pick who won the prize for the best turned out horse. Owner Nirmal Singh and trainer Malesh Narredu were awarded for the same, the grooms accorded due rewards. Hachiko too impressed with his paddock looks and appeared a strong contender, as they began to trot their way to the starting gates.

Aussie Race commentator David Raphael called three races during the day and I was stumped with the ease and quality in his diction. He was impressive and not only did he get the colours spot on -   the Indian silks were alien to him - but he also managed to describe the running of each horse in an explicit manner. I did manage to learn a thing or two from David, who was warm and friendly.

“You have a great racecourse here and it felt exciting to render commentary at the Mumbai race course. The racing here is competitive and I am happy I met some very nice folks. I did the commentary at the behest of Mr Poonawalla and enjoyed doing it. I am carrying back pleasant memories and If I get the chance, I shall surely make it here again,” said Mr Raphael.

Back on track, the fifteen aspirants lined up for the starters call and they jumped out evens. Soon Sikandar loosened up to force his way to the front. The others chased him in a closely huddled pack right to the tail end of the field.  Sikandar was the first to enter the straight and was a couple of lengths clear of Hachiko. The others spread out for clearer passage.

Sikandar galloped at a good clip and sustained his tempo past the distance post. Hachiko was working up good speed and jockey Prakash was beginning to get the desired response from Hachiko approaching the distance post. Here is where Hachiko surged ahead and sped away from those in the vicinity. Days Best was not sighted until then but he started devouring ground, surfacing from the tightly packed mid-bunch to force his way in the clear. He came up with a forceful run, getting closer to Hachiko with each stride. Prakash had set the turf on fire with Hachiko and even though Days Best was moving the fastest in the final fifty, Hachiko never was under threat. Prakash piloted Hachiko to an impressive victory and Days Best provided the last moment thrill. Sikandar too was hailed for his spirited performance in taking the third spot, while Machiavellianism filled the other slot in the frame.

“I was alert from the beginning and ensured that we were in good position from the outset,” said jockey B Prakash. “The draw helped and I was always where I wanted to be. At the turn, I took up to one behind the leader and the way Hachiko responded when I asked him to go, I knew he would sustain all the way. He is strong and a game galloper who enjoys running. He surely knows how to win,” he added.

“I am too pleased for words and this was one Trophy that I was missing. I am happy for Mania (MK Jadhav). He does all the hard work and deserves all the praise for keeping Hachiko fit and ensuring his form remained on the rise. The Poonawalla Breeders Multi-Million is a supreme test for youngsters and winning a race such as this one is indeed another high altogether,” Mr Shirke said.

For trainer MK Jadhav, this was a big moment. This was his first PBMM success and he was visibly delighted. I went to his stables in the evening and he gave me a warm welcome. I congratulated him and found that despite the huge success, he was humble and very much down to earth and more importantly, readily willing to give his views.

“I am happy for myself and even happier for Mr Vijay Shirke, as this was one race that had eluded him. Hachiko brought him this glorious triumph. I was particularly confident that Hachiko was in the condition to deliver, but I will also have to admit that I was tensed even though Hachiko was in the lead and going well. He is a special horse, and he has proved it. It was a close call in the end, although I was sure he would hold on once he shot into the lead,” said Mr Jadhav. I asked him if I could take a peek at Hachiko since I was at the stables. He said I could, but only if I insisted, as Hachiko was resting in his air-conditioned stable. I said I wouldn’t insist and as I walked away, I imagined there would be a ‘Do Not Disturb’ tag outside Hachiko’s stable. He certainly deserved a good rest.

The Poonawalla family led by Dr Cyrus Poonawalla and Mr Zavaray Poonawalla were present on the podium along with Mr Vivek Jain, Chairman of the RWITC. There was laughter and mirth as Mr Shirke along with his wife and daughter stepped on the podium to receive the impressive trophy.

Hachiko was bred at the Sohna Stud Farm and the Breeder, Mr Sultan Singh of the Sohna Stud Farm received the breeder’s salver from Mr Harry Herbert, Chairman of the British Bloodstock Marketing. “The Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi-Million has the best of juveniles from various centres competing. This race is always well contested. Hachiko has been improving with each run and this was his third successive victory. He was well-up with the pace right through. Had the pace been faster, I feel it would have suited him better. Noverre is an extremely high quality stallion and has a good mix of speed and stamina,” said Mr Sultan Singh.  

Dr Cyrus Poonawalla said “this year’s Poonawalla Million Day was significant with the presence of Australian Delegation led by the Premier, the Chairperson of the Victoria Racing club and the Chairman of the British Bloodstock Marketing. The occasion also saw the world famous Melbourne Cup being displayed for the first time in India. We always strive to showcase Indian racing to international standards and next year we will go even bigger and contribute more to the stakes and make this race richer and even more high profile.”

Mr Zavaray Poonawalla sprayed the bubbly with enthusiasm and showed great joy and spirit. “It is a privilege to have such an elite international audience. I personally thank the Premier, Victoria State, the Vice-Chairperson Amanda and all the dignitaries present. This is a wonderful opportunity to exchange ideas and open bi-lateral trade between the countries. It opens up so many avenues to taking racing to another level,” he said.

Famous Designers Falguni and Shane Peacock judged the best dressed Lady and gentleman at the racecourse. A certain Ms Shezeen Lawyer and Mr Marco Riggio, both of whom were elegantly dressed, won the honours.

The final presentation was the famous Grand Prize and this time it was a Volkswagen Polo for a lucky winner coming from the contingent of ‘unknown faces’. One among the first enclosure crowd, Mr Anil H Singhvi, predicted the first four placing correctly. His was the only correct entry among thousands.  He was handed the keys to the brand new Volkswagen Polo car by Mrs Natasha Adar Poonawalla.

Mr Sanghvi was ecstatic, “I am overwhelmed and have no words to express my joy. My family back home will be stunned and delighted to hear this news. I come from a humble background and I don’t own a car. I can’t drive a car, but my son should be able to learn. I can’t thank the Poonawalla family enough for bringing so much joy and sparing a thought for the ordinary race-goers. I came in as I know on their day the entry is free. I came early and filled in about eight or nine combinations. I have always participated in these contests, but for the first time I am winning it. This is one moment I will always recall as long as I live,” said Mr Sanghvi who bets small amounts on the totes.

The Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi-Million day then, had many firsts. Hachiko brought his connections their first PBMM success, The Melbourne Cup was displayed in Mumbai for the first time. Sohna Stud Farm’s Stallion Noverre’s progeny won the PBMM for the first time and one humble gentleman drove home in his first brand new car! Can it get better?