The Pune crowd was treated to an astounding display of power, speed, stamina, and utmost dominance by one adorable thoroughbred – An Acquired Taste. The talented son of Strong Contender out of G Waitin on O produced an awe-inspiring display that made his worthy rivals look ordinary. An Acquired Taste stamped his authority in no uncertain terms, while annexing the Signature Premier Indian St Leger (Gr1) in commanding style to the thrill of his connections and backers alike. His was a heroic performance, hailed by both, his supporters and adversaries alike. This indeed was a sterling display and a superlative achievement on the turf that deserved adulation from every horse lover, irrespective of which camp he or she lent support to. 

An Acquired Taste has had a history of fitness issues all through his career. Hard luck stories and near misses in the classics have been a part of his racing career. However, the brave heart put all this behind and showed that his best was nothing short of incredible.

As the gates flung open, little did one realize that an extraordinary success story had begun to unfold. Roswald was sent on a giant killing expedition and he shot into the lead attempting to repeat his first start success this season.He set a true pace for the testing 2800 meter trip. The others lined up and got into preferred positions in the small field of seven. An Acquired Taste chose to run with the pace, although he did allow Roswald a sizable leeway in the first half of the race. Borsalino had to recover from a tardy start and jockey Dashrath Singh spurred him on not only to catch up with the bunch, but make rapid headway to stay one behind the leader through the backstretch. They raced in single file with Caesar’s Star in third, followed by An Acquired Taste, Wind stream, Tintinnabulation and Rodeo at the rear end.

Roswald galloped well within himself carrying on his good work right until the final turn. The action plans began to unfurl past the 800 m mark. Wind Stream was the one to blink first as Suraj started to plod him on. Tintinnabulation was alerted to the task at the same juncture and he too started to look to accelerate. An Acquired Taste was given the go by jockey A Sandesh as they were taking the curve entering into the straight.

The moment Sandesh began to goad An Acquired Taste, the joint favourite started to devour ground at an alarming pace. The moment they entered the straight, An Acquired Taste started to stretch away from his rivals. He amassed an unassailable lead soon after and sealed the contest long way from home. Sandesh and AnAcquired Taste powered on to inflict a near ten-length victory over his closest rivals Tintinnabulation and Wind Stream. While this pair was expected to figure in the top bracket which they duly did, Roswald’s effort was laudable as well. He did extremely well to stay on and ensure that he made his way to the judge’s frame.

“I couldn’t have asked for more”, said Dr Neville Devlaliwalla, owner of the new hero of the turf. “He is large hearted horse and his performance today was exceptional. I am overjoyed with his impressive run and I shall cherish the moment of my first Indian Classic victory forever,” said Dr Devlaliwalla.

“It is a personal triumph for me,” was trainer Altamash Ahmed’s first reaction. He was always a special horse but has had his share of niggling issues. I feel we were unlucky not to win the Indian Derby. That was a miss I rue to date. However, he has shaped up well since and this season, he has lived up to our expectations. His victory today certainly is his best performance and winning my first Indian Classic is certainly a special moment in my career,” stated the jubilant trainer.

Ante post favourite Tintinnabulation had beaten An Acquired Taste on both their previous encounters, however, An Acquired Taste put the past behind him and set the record straight with an emphatic victory in the last leg of the Indian Classics. With the St Leger being run first time on the monsoon track, An Acquired Taste also gets to etch his name on the timing for the race on the track. He clocked 2:55:19, the very first log on the monsoon track for the distance.

For those doubting his stamina quotient, An Acquired Taste has given ample proof to dismiss the question mark altogether. With his sheer determination and tremendous achievements, An Acquired Taste has established his credentials as one among the most accomplished talents on the circuit currently.

The Hazara Stud bred An Acquired Taste earned rich stakes of over Rs 3.5 million along with an attractive gold trophy for his owners Dr Neville Devlaliwalla & Mr Pawan Seksaria. Mr Nirmal Singh received the breeder’s momento 

M/s Sandeep Khurd along with YD Acidwalla represented the Sponsors M/s McDowell & Co Ltd and jointly presented the trophy to Dr Devlaliwalla and mementos to trainer Altamash Ahmed and jockey A Sandesh.  Mr Nirmal Singh received the breeder’s memento. 

“This is my first Indian Classic triumph, said A Sandesh. I am feeling delighted and relieved as well. We were very confident as An Acquired Taste was in sublime form. I knew he would stay the distance as well. I didn’t have to do much; he knew his job and travelled very well throughout the race. I didn’t want to take chances so I took off with him when he showed the keenness to go for it. I did not realize I was so far ahead in the homestretch, he was simply too good,” said jockey Sandesh.

A certain gentleman Mr Somanini, a face in the crowd, was the lucky winner of the Hyundai Eon Magna car for predicting the first four placing of the Signature Premier Indian St Leger (Gr1) in the correct order.