A small card of seven races was gone through at Hyderabad on Monday. Most of the races had small fields with just 50 horses lining up in the entire day. Leading Jockey P.S.Chouhan who was going through a lean patch in the last few weeks was back to his usual self with a hat-trick. Two of them were for L.V.R.Deshmukh and the other for Laxman Singh. He however had to face defeat on the short priced favourite Golden Arrow at the hands of stable companion Azaiba. Trainer K.S.V.Prasad Raju pulled off a popular back to back double. 

L.V.R.Deshmukh trained Vijayshaurya (Trade Fair-Troppa Freska), a failed favourite in its last run, made amends to win the Deccan Chronicle Gold Cup which was feature event of the day. Jockey P.S.Chouhan piloted Vijayshourya to a pillar to post victory over the 2400 metres grueling trip. The 5 year old gelding settled nicely in front. Snow Bird raced second about two lengths behind while Vijays Jet ran third about five lengths adrift with Mystical Knight trailing the field of four as they went past the backstretch. Vijayshourya came into the home straight well ahead of Snow Bird and stretched out comfortably. Snow Bird finished second while Mystical Knight was third many lengths behind. Vijays Jet stopped galloping near the distance post.

Lesser fancied Azaiba (Rebuttal-Queen Consort) from M.Srinivas Reddy’s stable beat the short priced stable companion Golden Arrow in the Raja Mehboob Karan Memorial Cup. The Himalayas took over from Azaiba within the first furlong of the race. Golden Arrow and Dazzling Prince raced close behind. Rounding the final bend The Himalayas went wide and Azaiba slipped into the lead. Golden Arrow came under pressure when asked to quicken and finished second. Compromise came in late to take the third spot.        

P.S.Chouhan was back to winning ways, completing a hat-trick. Ray of Hope (Mull of Kintyre-Ahliyat), a 3 year old filly from Laxman Singh’s yard scored its maiden win in the Red Surprise Cup. Colorful Trip was out on a start to finish mission followed closely by Ray of Hope. Kohinoor Punch rallied on the outside as they traversed the final bend and Greek Star was boxed along the rails. With about 300 metres left in the race Ray of Hope was driven by Chouhan to take control and stayed well till the finish. Greek Star ran on to beat Kohinoor Punch for the second place in a close finish. Colorful Trip was fourth.

Laguna Beach (Phoenix Tower-Rio Anna) continued to shine, earning its third straight win in the Epsom Plate. Laurel Canyon was up in front from the start. Bound For Glory, San Ramon, Laguna Beach and Racing Tycoon raced in that order behind the leader with just about three lengths covering them. Into the final run Laurel Canyon continued to hold the lead. Laguna Beach was brought by P.S.Chouhan along the rails and making way for himself moved strongly to forge ahead. Laurel Canyon did well to finish second from Golden Rule.

S.S.Faisal Hassan trained Exclusive Lady (Gaswar-Share The Spirit) scored its maiden win in the first race of the day, the Red Orchid Plate. Hassan’s filly which was winless from 22 outings was sent over the mile trip for the first time. Apprentice Akshay Kumar took Exclusive Lady to the front at start and settled down well to lead the field. All The Fun joined the leader nearing the half way stage and tracked it till the top of the straight. Exclusive Lady picked up pace inside the last 300 metres and stretched out well to win easily by three lengths. Tripple Eight just about managed to snatch the second place from All The Fun.

K.S.V.Prasad Raju had a good day with a back to back double through Rio Rojo and Aarohan. Rio Rojo (Tejano-Auberge) was given a brilliant ride by Nilesh Rawal to shed her maiden status in the Adilabad Plate, a seven furlongs race for maiden 3 year old horses. Sent in as the favourite against its dozen rivals, Rio Rojo moved quickly to track the leader Exclusive Beauty. The two came together on the final straight and Rio Rojo soon took over the running. As they entered the last two furlongs, Winds And Waves which was travelling about seven off the fence came in sharply and that hindered the running of Mount Titlis which was just beginning to get up. Golden Art was also making its move along the fence at the same juncture. Rio Rojo kicked on strongly to win the race. Winds And Waves beat Golden Art for the second place while Mount Titlis which was jostled near 350 metres and checked badly inside the last 150 metres, finished fourth. Jockey P.S.Chouhan who was astride Mount Titlis raised an objection against the riders of both Winds And Waves and Golden Art for interference. The Stewards also called for an enquiry into the running of the race. Following the Stewards enquiry and the objection, Winds And Waves, the runner-up was disqualified for dangerous riding by the jockey. Golden Art was elevated to the second position following the disqualification and Mount Titlis to third.

 Aarohan (Emerald Cat-Cordon Rose) won the Fire Arch Plate, the concluding race of the day. Arriviste, Aarohan and Classic Crown ran almost together till passing the 600 metres marker. On entering the straight Classic Crown fell back and Aarohan surged forward to take it up. Pakat Pakat Pakat gained ground inside the last 100 metres but failed to collar Aarohan by 1/4 of a length at the finish. Bernabeu and Lady of Grace finished third and fourth respectively.