A fantastic turn-out thronged the Mahalaxmi racecourse to witness the first Indian Classic this Season. The members’ enclosure saw a sea of humanity all at their Sunday best. After quite a while, the patrons in the members’ lawns complemented the occasion as important as an Indian Classic commands. The initiative of a formal dress code taken by the committee of the RWITC, received a positive response from members and guests alike. The winter chill only added to the warm comfort of a jacket and one could see most patrons with their jackets buttoned up, rather than hanging limp over their arms for the sake of it! With such an atmosphere and an elaborate lead-up of eight interesting races, the wait for The Gianti by Gitanjali Indian 1000 Guineas (GR1) was never going to be too long.

As the horses came into the paddock, necks craned from all around the paddock to get a closer inspection at the graceful looks and gait of the elite fillies of the day. Veteran trainer Mr SS Shah whispered to me, “Just look at Siachen, she is pleasing to the eye. Moonlight Romance is also impressive. We are going to witness a real thriller; I can’t wait for them to enter the homestretch!” He couldn’t have been more precise! The high decibels from the excited crowd from either side of the aisle to the track, added to the electrifying tone at the Mahalaxmi racecourse. Each one from the crowd was screaming his good wishes to his favourite horse/jockey. The jockeys, however, were sombre, probably focussed to the immediate task on hand. The moment of reckoning had arrived. The result of all the hard work and meticulous planning was about to unfold.

The betting ring was a hub of activity. Every bookmaker’s stall and tote window was crammed with people. Moonlight Romance and Siachen were the cynosure of the speculative masses. Moonlight Romance, being a local fancy, probably garnered more following, but then Siachen enjoyed strong support as well. The gates flung open and out jumped ten fillies scrambling for the position designed earlier on the drawing board. Serenity tried to set the pace, but soon Sun Elegance pushed ahead to make the running for Moonlight Romance. Illustrious was up with the pace as is her style. Scarlette and Royal Highness raced in the mid-bunch with Eloise alongside. Then came Moonlight Romance up next, settled beautifully. Elizabeth was in the middle. Right behind came Siachen who had just Blackjack on her tail. All the ten were in perfect rhythm and closely huddled.

Sun Elegance couldn’t have done a better job. She played a perfect role of the pacemaker. She led them into the straight and even ensured enough passage for Moonlight Romance to poke through. Moonlight Romance did just that and got to the front. Eloise picked up well and stuck along with Moonlight Romance providing a game battle. Scarlette also was fighting hard to remain in contention. Siachen, meanwhile, had made good headway and stayed away from any possible crowding. Hayes got her on the outside and set about spurring her on and Siachen responded with giant strides. Siachen joined the battling duo of Moonlight Romance and Eloise a furlong from the winning post. She swooped upon the pair and with a forceful dash, surged ahead in the final 100 metres.

Jockey CD Hayes, in a jubilant gesture, stood upright and raised his fist in triumph as Siachen hit the wire, a length ahead of Moonlight Romance, stamping her superiority in on uncertain terms. Well, Hayes wasn’t alone in celebrating thus. Thousands of hands went up in the air in the packed Grand Stands. And somewhere across the seas, Dr Vijay Mallya too would have punched the air in ecstasy, either hearing the live commentary or watching his home-bred filly on television, providing his Kunigal Stud Farm another success in an Indian Classic. Siachen is the daughter of Burden of Proof from Indian Mission, bred at the Kunigal Stud Farm. Mr. Zeyn Mirza, Managing Director of the United Racing & Bloodstock Breeders Ltd, was a perfect blend of pride and joy.

Barely able to keep his excitement in control, Zeyn showered praises on Siachen and Jaggy Dhariwal alike. ”Siachen is a delight to watch when in full flow. This was definitely a tough race and she lifted herself to overpower Moonlight Romance on her home turf. Moonlight Romance had the rail advantage and got through nicely and Siachen really had her work cut out. Hayes knows her well and combined well with Siachen. He did the right things at the right juncture and got her to give out her best. I had no doubt in my mind that Siachen would come up trumps, especially approaching the final furlong,” said Zeyn. “After her setback, Jaggy (Dhariwal) was most patient with her. He took great care and targeted the Bangalore 1000 Guineas. Her triumph there was a suitable reward for all his hard work and careful nursing.

He will be delighted too at this wonderful feat,” added Zeyn. ”Dr Mallya then suggested we get her to Mumbai for this race and his foresight was spot on. We are all proud of Siachen’s achievement and the boys back home at Kunigal couldn’t be happier,” he concluded. “I am delighted, but not surprised,” said Siachen’s trainer Jaggy Dhariwal. “She had beaten Moonlight Romance earlier and I saw no reason why she wouldn’t beat her again. I was pretty much satisfied with her progress and was confident that she had it in her to scale greater heights.

The Indian 1000 Guineas was as good a platform one can get and she proved herself as one of the best in the business,” said the beaming trainer. When I popped the question whether she will stay the longer trip, he replied, “I can’t tell you right now. She has stayed the mile-long trip very well and has shown a lot of class. When you have class, one can tune her to stay the longer trips. I am optimistic,” he added punctuating his reply with a broad smile. Jockey CD Hayes had contentment writ large on his face. ”I was keeping a constant eye on Moonlight Romance. I was watching her when I decided to improve position from the outside. I wanted to ensure a clear stretch in the straight and I didn’t mind getting her out coming into the straight.

I saw Moonlight Romance slip into the lead early. At that time, I was a few metres behind. I knew Siachen was still waiting to unleash and the moment I asked her, she responded extremely well. She accelerated well and you saw her finish. She was the real star,” said Hayes. Siachen came, saw and conquered. There is no doubt that she is a class act. Moonlight Romance was a noble runner-up. She ran a brilliant race too. She fought till the end and will live to fight another day. Eloise was courageous too and ran a terrific race as did Blackjack. The latter with some experience is sure to mature into a top-class competitor. A mention about Scarlette too wouldn’t be out of turn. She did not surrender meekly and hung in there for more than one thought possible. This was a true run race, and there can be no ’hard luck’ story. Siachen won clean as whistle.

Mr. Mehul Choksy of Gitanjali, accompanied by upcoming starlet Ms. Shazahn Padamsee and brand ambassador Tarina Patel, presented an exquisite trophy which was received by Mr Zeyn Mirza. The presentation ceremony was followed by a glamorous fashion show. More than a dozen dainty damsels walked into and around the paddock showcasing a stylish collection of designer wear presented by famed stylist Ms Leela Tipnis. To sum it up, it was a highly enjoyable day in every sense. Bollywood was represented by the ravishing Karishma Kapoor and Chunky Pandey, who were the special guests. They were on the presentation podium for the Jaspal Enterprises Sprint Million.

The RWITC has done well in conducting the big event in a grand fashion and this only raises the expectations further. The Sponsors were happy too and Mr Choksy personally told me that his company would stay with the RWITC and continue their association with the sport of the kings. Speaking about kings, perhaps the only thing missing was the presence of the ‘King of Good Times’ himself!