The lush green new monsoon track was a sight to behold. This was one of the first things that impressed racing patrons on day one of the Pune Race Meeting 2014. A hint of sprinkled showers, clouded skies, the whoosh of the chilling wind and rays of sunlight filtering through gaps between the clouds presented the picturesque glory of mother nature. for a new comer, the ambiance was a fit case to fall in love with the Pune race course at first sight! For the regulars, its always love forever!

The stars of the day, unarguably were the horses. Falcon flew in full flow and Artiste provided the touch of class. The first day of the Pune races was most enjoyable indeed. The father-son duo - Malesh and Yash Narredu struck in the season's first race sending out public rage Delightful Lady (Dancing Forever - Queen Consort) to an absolutely authoritative victory, For a young lad in his early teens, Yash was calm in the paddock despite riding a hot favourite on his Pune debut. His super successful Bangalore stint had boosted his confidence beyond doubt and he looked confident as his dad gave him a leg-up for his first ever ride in his hometown.

On the track, Yash was patient as he settled Delightful Lady at the rear of the mid-bunch and worked to improve positions steadily. He pounced on the front runners soon on entering the straight and shot ahead to leave the opposition cold. The Pune crowd waved and cheered in delight as they once used to for his father Malesh, showering flower petals and screaming congratulatory words as they walked the aisle. It was nostalgic to see history repeating itself. A proud father leading in his son on his first success on home soil.

Yash scored again in the very next race atop Dreamland (Diffident - Vindication). He was on the button this time and shot into the lead soon on start. He didn't look back after that and in the straight, kicked away to scored a very comfortable victory. Highway Express, who was chasing the leader right through, nearly went down to the fast finishing Zoe fighting for the runner up berth. The latter showed a lot of zip to cover ground and ended a good third. 

Jaydev Mody's Falcon (Razeen - Tarnished Lady) improved positions from the rear of the field to be well in touch with the front runners at the turn. Myla Rose and Rio were grappling for the lead, with Dancing Prances waiting to pounce on them at the right time. Jockey DK Ashish astride Falcon made his move from the outside. When he too the turn widest of all, Dancing Prances had already begun to charge ahead. Dancing Prances, however, had to wriggle free between horses, while Falcon had clear turf ahead. Falcon came swooping down on the bunch and was abreast with the leaders and galloping on with less than a furlong to go. Dancing Prances put up a brave fight and stuck with Falcon, both going stride by stride. Zoraavar also put in a lively challenge joining the fighting pair, but he too failed to get a clear passage. At the wire, Falcon had his nose in front carving out a very narrow victory and pick up the Fair Haven trophy in a cracker of a finish. Dancing Prances was a gallant second, Zoraavar ending a notable third. Rio did well to stay in the frame and needs watching over the shorter sprints.

Dallas Todywalla trained Artiste (Excellent Art - Otellcaliforni) produced the day's most impressive and effortless wins. The Shapoor Mistry owned bay filly flew out of the gates and glided away from the competition showing fine acceleration in the straight. Artiste, ridden by recently married Dashrath Singh, maintained a handy lead right through until the turn. Once in the straight, Artiste cantered away and amassed a huge lead in split seconds. She drew away stamping her authority and class. Quizical ran on to progress in the straight, but could not match up to ask any questions off Artiste, finishing a faraway second, beating Velintino to the third spot.

Malesh Narredu led in his third winner of the day with Zedora (Mull of Kintyre - Bongusto) providing owner Mr Jaydev Mody a back-to-back double and landing a lucrative betting coup at the cost of favourite Full Moon. This pair proved too good for the rest as they tore ahead right from the start and stuck along to fight all the way. Act of Valour, Something Special and Malzie who were right on their tail early on, were left far behind by the time they entered the straight.

Full Moon was not going to let go the early advantage in a hurry. He put up stiff resistance as Zedora started to come alongside. The pair battled hard and Zedora did look under pressure for a stride or two. However, in the final furlong, jockey DK Ashish, who replaced Yash after the latter sustained a fall in the fourth race, urged Zedora on to get her on even keel and forge ahead to notch a neat debut victory. Full Moon ought to improve further and she appears to be able to make amends the next time. Quick Angel progressed in the later stages to peg back Something Special for the place money.

Trainer Adhirajsingh Jodha made his mark on the opening day with a high-priced double. His charge Rajsamman (Hymn - Caste Beauty) pushed his fiery initial speed to the brim as apprentice Daman surged ahead no sooner the gates flung open. Rajsamman looked comfortably in front entering the homestretch and was well ahead. Hot favourite Greek God with Yash astride encountered serious traffic problems and he clipped with the horse in front dislodging Yash Narredu. The young jockey showed presence of mind and lay still on the turf until the medicos stretcher-lifted him to the ambulance. Fortunately Yash escaped with minor bruises and will stay away from the saddle for the customery 24 hour observation.

Rajsamman won well and Presence did well to finish second ahead of Ice Zone and Ice Skates. Wasabi disappointed as she failed to raise a gallop and ended in the rut, though she looked good in the paddock.

Adhiraj struck again in the day's last race with Ricochet (Sedgefield - Forest Family). Pappillon received big support in the ring but he left his supporters crestfallen with a slow start. There and then his chances faded away. Allegiance made the early running with Romeo, Danse Dabonaire and Stormy Princess racing close behind. Ricochet settled well close behind them.

Kavraj Singh guided Ricochet to progress to fourth and stormed to the front soon on turning for home. Romeo also put his best foot forward and the fight began early in the homestretch. Ricochet always seemed to have a slight upper hand, but Romeo never let go. He stuck by Ricochet until well into the final furlong. however, in the last few strides, Ricochet made a decisive surge forward to win it by a length.

Crowned Princess (Major Impact - Breno) returned to form and showed a clean pair of heels at the business end to provide a first success on Indian soil for jockey Darren Wiliams. Sitting in the fourth position all the way into the straight, Darren rode out Crowned Princess at the top of the straight to get going in the final furlong. Burgundy Rose, who led the field all the way into the final furlong, managed to smother the assault of the well-backed Windsor Queen, the latter failed to quicken after being prominent coming into the straight. Crowned Princess stormed in with a late charge and caught up with Burgundy Rose a few meters from the winning post to score a thrilling victory, giving trainer Narendra Lagad his first win for the season.

Sangram Joshi trained Hidden Asset (Footstepsinthesand - Thorns of Life) partnered by apprentice S Joseph dashed the dreams of rich returns of the supporters of favourite Dreamliner. He took off from the gates disputing the lead with Wind Craft. Dreamliner was right behind them with Zidaan and others following closely. Hidden Asset took the turn slightly wide but sailed into the lead and worked up a nice rhythm. He accelerated well and stretched away from Wind Craft to compile a handy lead. He looked safe and home in the last furlong as he marched on to score with a measure of comfort. Zidaan unleashed a late blitz when all was over to end a eye-catching second.

For the professionals, trainer Malesh Narredu saddled a fine treble and Adhirajsingh jodha picked up a lucrative double. Jockeys DK Ashish and Yash Narredu notched up  double each.