The Mumbai Season 2014-15 concluded on a ‘bright’ note what with the concept of Sundown racing being well received by the masses. Racing under floodlights for the first time naturally became the high-point of the season. What started as a trial run for two days was extended to the final week of racing sensing the popularity of the trial show. All races under floodlights went off smoothly and trainer Sandeep Manglorkar’s Mighty Splendour bagged the honor of being the first winner under lights ridden by jockey Dharmendar.

The final day’s spotlight was shared by trainers Malesh Narredu, Shiraz Sunderji and Adhirajsingh Jodha, while hot in form jockey Trevor Patel and young Kavraj Singh too rode their hearts out to emerge tops in some close finishes.

Sweeping Star (Arazan – Sweeping Success, Exhilaration Stud) claimed the Season Ending Juvenile Million with a dramatic rerun after it looked for a moment that she was in danger of going down in the final few meters. The start was ominous for Pink Panther who was restless all the time during the stalling operations. Even in the gates he was shaky and never looked settled. It got worse when the gates opened as Pink Panther jumped out awkwardly unbalancing and dislodging his jockey Dashrath Singh. He bolted to the front and Neeraj Rawal had to make an effort to steer Sweeping Star out of harm’s way with the rider less Pink Panther coming in the way. As things settled down, Sweeping Star sailed into the lead and was leading by close to five lengths coming into the straight. Warpath and Dancing Lord started to bridge the gap at the turn.

Sweeping Star galloped comfortably in front with 400 to go. Warpath started to close in and Dancing Lord too was being asked for an effort. Warpath caught up with the leader approaching the distance post and even headed Sweeping Star briefly. Dancing Lord too was gaining on the duo in front. However, Sweeping Star dug deep and found fresh power to surge ahead in the last fifty meters to ward off the challengers and score a fine maiden victory, sparing a clear 1 ½ lengths at the winning post. Dancing Lord managed to pip Warpath for the second spot.

Trainer Malesh Narredu had earlier sent out Maximus (Royal Kingdom – Marquisa, Ruia Stud) to another well-fought victory to claim the Royal Calcutta Turf Club Trophy. Star Trainer led the closely packed field into the straight, but soon surrendered the lead to Victorious March.  Maximus was stuck behind this pair and had to switch lanes for a clear run. Moon Shadow tried to filter through just as Maximus made his move to skirt around Victorious March. The minor jostle gave a reason for jockey Ashhad Asbar to lodge an objection for interference which the Stewards rightly overruled.

Maximus, once he had a clear run, forged ahead powerfully to seal the issue at least 100 meters from the winning post. He won by close to two lengths and there was no way Moon Shadow would have got him even if that little skirmish had not happened. Moon Shadow however, finished on well to peg back Victorious March to claim the second spot.

Trainer-jockey Adhirajsingh Jodha and Kavraj Singh combined to score a lucrative double after the floodlights were switched on. Speed of Sound (Sedgefield – Slam Strike, Jai Govind Stud) thundered in the final moments of the race to speed past Espada and Benezeer to lunge forward and carve out a narrow win. There was post race suspense too as Kavraj in trying to take the gap between the front runners bumped into Benezeer and had to survive the objection that followed.

Espada led them into the straight with Benezeer waiting to pounce on him. Speed of Sound was on the inner rails and with a little over a furlong to go Kavraj Singh pushed the filly to poke through the narrow opening. Speed of Sound did make contact with Benezeer, however she finished on strongly drawing away from the rest. The manner of victory was convincing as such the general conclusion in the stewards’ room was that Benezeer was clearly beaten hence, the objection was overruled and Speed of Sound kept the race.  Favorite Miracle of Love who ended a tame fourth, may have needed the run.   

The same pros picked up the last race of the season the Audi Million, with Gold Bag (Sedgefield – Blue Jay, Jai Govind Stud) in another thrilling finish. Favorite Top Trainer, on a start to finish mission, led the field home. However, he could not capitalize on the good start and was soon tackled by Quest for Love, with about 300 to go. Quest For Love sped ahead opening up a handy lead. Pepito came on to the scene briefly, but the weight told on him and his bid faded away. Gold Bag then came with a strong finish. He had to account for Quest For Love who still had a slender advantage and the fast finishing Beyond Horizons eating up ground briskly. Kavraj rode out Gold Bag and timed his run to a nicety to collar Quest For Love close home. Beyond Horizon’s bid came in a touch late and he could only manage to end a neck behind runner-up Quest for Love.

Champion of the season Trevor Patel has been consistent throughout the season and reaped wonderful returns. He was in the lime light on the final day too scoring a popular double for trainer SK Sunderji. Trevor struck with Pure Bliss (Placerville – Praise of Folly, Villoo’s Greenfield Stud) with a perfectly timed run. Sindbaad had led from the start and was showing no signs of relenting. He held on to the lead until the final few strides and that was a good effort. Sindbaad was caught up with as both Coley and Pure Bliss progressed nicely in the second half of the homestretch. Both the challengers were aggressive and were dashing towards the winning post at a good clip. Trevor rode out confidently to spur Pure Bliss into fast forward mode to surge ahead and score comfortably in the end. 

Itscaro (Tariq – Peace, Equus Stud) was the other one from Sunderji’s stables who galloped away to a fine maiden win with Trevor astride. This one was easy meat for Trevor as he chased leader Enthralling into the straight and soon after marched ahead in style to pull away in the final furlong. Enthralling, who had a good following too, led most of the way but failed to quicken when it mattered. While Itscaro darted ahead to compile a solid win, Enthralling could not sustain at all. Aliboxer came from behind to get past Enthralling to claim the second spot. Enthralling ended a tame third. Hedwig improved towards the end to find a place in the frame.

Magic In The Air (Tariq – Absolute Royal, Equus Stud) got a dream passage along the rails and young apprentice Bhawani Singh drove home that advantage to the hilt to come literally from the last position, progressing with every stride to win handsomely, smothering a strong challenge that came from Ad Astra. Danse Debonaire finished his job once he led the field home and dropped out soon after. Ad Astra emerged from the mid-bunch to get past Argyle Pink and Sabiq, the later driving hard to keep his chances alive. Magic in the Air slipped in from the inner rails and covered considerable ground to make his presence felt past the distance post. Bhawani Singh rode the Narendra Lagad ward astutely to put it across the Trevor ridden Ad Astra. The joint favorites took the two top slots and Sabiq did well to finish in the money.

Chlobud (Ace – Indistinto, Poona Stud)  signed off the season with a pleasing maiden victory and the Sanjay Kolse ward was ably ridden by young apprentice SJ Sunil, although Chlobud drifted out all the way into the straight. Chlobud also had to overcome an awkward start as he was knocked around by horses soon after the jump. Sunil weaved his way to the mid-bunch deftly and was fourth at the turn.

Zafirah was in front with Kickboxer tagging close behind and then Loveable Locks made a bold bid forward. Zafirah and Loveable Locks fought out before the latter surged ahead and shaped well. Chlobud then started to cover ground, but was drifted out alarmingly. Sunil kept the momentum going and in the final furlong, when Chlobud could drift no further, he gathered the filly and pushed for home. Chlobud accelerated well and shot ahead to win comfortably from Lovable locks and Zafirah.

Nigella (China Visit – Supreme Discovery, Usha Stud) trained by Don Surti made ample amends on her last start loss and ended the season on a positive note. Going a furlong lesser than her last outing, Nigella ruled the straight as she stormed into the lead approaching the distance post and galloped on strongly to stay clear of the rest. Favorite Awesome Knight failed to inspire any confidence as he could not quicken after being prominent at the turn. Glorious Regime improved towards the end to take the second spot from Arsenal.

Mr KN Dhunjibhoy, Chairman RWITC awarded trophies to the season’s champions.

Leading Owner                                  –             Dr MAM Ramaswamy

Leading Trainer                                 –             Pesi Shroff

Leading Jockey                                 –             P Trevor

Leading Apprentice Jockey               –             Yash Narredu

Leading Allowance Jockey                –             Bhawani Singh

Leading Stud Farm                            –             Hazara Stud

Leading Bookmaker Mumbai             –            Banarasi Das

Leading Bookmaker Pune                  –            Latif Associates