Supreme Star (Rebuttal – Mullagh) completed a commendable three straight wins on the Mahalakshmi track, (he ran off board at Hyderabad in between)when he picked up the Maharaja Sir Harisinghji Trophy (Gr3), the feature race of the day and the last of the graded races for the season. Despite a tough lineup for this prestigious race, Supreme Star was installed the firm favourite at 11/10 against and boy did he oblige!

Zoraavar hit the front to dictate the initial pace with the rest closely huddled together, Supreme Star in the mid-bunch and Snowdrift keeping Ocean And Beyond company in the rear.

Rajasthan Royals sped past the leader to take charge briefly, but when Supreme Star came alongside, the old timer did little to counter the challenger. Snowdrift improved to set about in chase of Supreme Star, while Ocean and Beyond started to make his bid from the outside. However, Supreme Star proved simply too good for his rivals and even a good finishing effort that came from Snowdrift was not sufficient to question the dominance of Supreme Star. Jockey A Sandesh had it all covered as he pushed Supreme Star vigorously to gallop to a gallant victory. Snowdrift ended a good second, while Ocean And Beyond kicked on to beat  Manyatta for the place money.

War Horse (Razeen – Margarita Rita) also duly compiled a hatrick of victories as he showed a lot of speed taking full advantage of the 11 kilos that he was receiving from Victorious March to pocket the Royal Calcutta Turf Club Trophy without encountering any serious threat. He happily settled behind leader Saints N Sinners with Rio and Victorious March following close behind.

War Horse galloped past Saints N Sinners soon on turning for home. Victorious March made a strong bid in the early half of the straight and got alongside War Horse who shifted slightly outward, making Victorious March switch course impulsively. However, War Horse packed a solid pnch in the final furlong to draw away and win with a comfortable margin. Rio too finished on fast, but just failed to beat Victorious March for the runner up berth.

Celtic Prince tried the runaway tactics as he stole a march coming into the straight with Royal Passion (Sedgefield – Wonder Wings) biding his time in the second spot. Royal Passion was accelerating tremendously as she warmed up past the 400 m marker and she cruised past Celtic Prince who was struggling to offer any resistance. Royal Passion cantered all the way and won easing up by a good nine lengths. Attraction, who was expected to do well, fared miserably and was too far behind to make any impact on the race. Theory too was never in the hunt.

Mufasa (Glory of Dancer – City Tamer) has been consistent right through the season hitting the board on all occasions, added to his solitary victory this season to end his campaign on a winning note. With Dreams of You and Hawker garnering most of the support in the betting ring, Mufasa was freely available at nourishing odds.

Hawker did not take too long to hit the front with Dreams of You also recovering well from a scratchy start to settle close behind the leader. Cactus Cash ran along the rails with Mufasa a little over a length behind, tailing the field.

Hawker fought hard on entering the homestretch as Dreams of You started to apply pressure. The pair battled it out for most of the distance inside the final 400. Dreams of You was slightly erratic in the final furlong as she headed Hawker, but had no answer when Mufasa arrived with a fine finishing effort. Mufasa devoured ground at a brisk race and timed his finish to a nicety. In the end, he won by half a length to Dreams of You. Hawker and Cactus Cash ended close third and fourth.

The day began on an interesting note with Brindaban attracting some heavy betting in the four-horse scurry. It served as a sizzling opener for the day as Albuurz darted to the front to take charge after a brief tussle with Celsius at the jump. Brindaban and Emperor of France were close on their heels.

On turning for home, Celsius found Albuurz too easy to handle and she surged ahead to take to the lead. Brindaban arrived with a spirited challenge and the pair fought out the final furlong in a gripping battle. Emperor of France found the going too hard and ended a tame third. Up in front, Celsius raged a strong battle and kept galloping at a steady pace with jockey CS Jodha giving it his all. Sandesh atop Brindaban too went all out to make a race of it, but just could not come up with that extra bit to topple Celsius. It was a fiercely fought race and Celsius prevailed by a short head at the wire, thus breaking the jinx finally after several close calls.

Hormuz Antia fired with his heavily backed Ice Zone (Major Impact – Sunshiner) giving jockey CS Jodha another hard fought victory in the day after Celsius. Ice Zone successfully pulled off a start to finish mission over seven furlongs and jockey CS Jodha played an important role in urging Ice Zone on, right through to the winning post.

Ice Zone came into the straight with a slender lead and with a pack of horses in chance had his task cut out. He had to last out the long Mumbai straight and here is where CS Jodha played his cards right. He kept Ice Zone in check well into the straight and when the challenger mounted pressure, Jodha began to go for the stick. The threats came from Que Sera Sera at first and then in the final furlong, Glorious Opinion started to inch closer.  Ice Zone showed no signs of tiring or letting it slip away as he held on determinedly to score his first victory after winning on debut back in August 2012 at Pune.

Magic Vision (Kheleyf – Lii Najma) finally earned her maiden victory in her 12^th start and the victory came with a fiery finishing effort that floored favourite Beyond Horizons in a thrilling close finish. Cartel’s start to finish essay was aborted soon as they straightened for home when Beyond Horizons came with a strong gallop to surge past Cartel. Beyond Horizons was shaping well coming into the final furlong and looked set to score. However, Magic Vision started to warm up nicely and started to gather momentum at a brisk pace. Beyond Horizons too was showing no signs of giving up and a grim battle ensued. Magic Vision with SG Prasad astride just managed to pip Beyond Horizons on the post to shock the favourite on the last stride. To The Moon rallied on late to end in the money pushing Cartel to fourth.

The last race of the day saw punters queuing up to wager on Winged King at even money. They were all let down as Sound of River came up with a lively run in the homestretch to sail away from them all to notch his second victory this season.

Wish Upon a Star squandered a handy lead coming into the straight and failed to capitalize on it. Winged King was in striking position all right, but just did not quicken. Sound of River stretched out gamely to pull away towards the finish and win convincingly.

For the professionals, trainer Dallas Todywalla and jockey CS Jodha scored a double each.

In a pleasing development for nine young lads apprentice jockey licenses were issued to these boys who will be keen to start their career. One among them is prominent jockey-turned- trainer Malesh Narredu’s son – Yash Narredu. With Satish, Malesh and Suraj Narredu having won well over 4000 races between them, Yash now enters full of promise and an expectation to match the talent of his illustrious dad, uncle and first cousin.

“This is indeed a memorable day for both Yash and me as well. He has grown up among horses and as a jockey, I have already told him to be prepared for all the hard work that goes with it. I have seen the other young boys too and they are all excited to be wearing their breaches. If all goes well, Yash could begin his new career this season. He has already won a couple of mock races and that has pleased me no end. I wish all the boys the very best in future,” said a delighted father, Malesh Narredu.