In any sport, the champions are respected, adored and idolized.  And the people of Bengaluru did just that. They came out in big numbers to watch the best horse in the Indian racing circuit parade his skills after his controversial defeat in the Indian Turf Invitation Cup in Mumbai. An official spokesman of the Bangalore Turf Club revealed that more than 1000 sports lovers apart from the regular racing buffs had gained an entry to see the star performer in fresh and blood.

The moment the champion, who is now under the care of Ganapathy entered the paddock, he was greeted with a loud cheer and after the star performer left to the mile marker, people were seen rushing out looking to secure a vantage point. Some climbed the fence, some gained the top seats while the rest were out in the open, ready to watch the champion in action before providing the MAM Ramaswamy owned super star a standing ovation.

The fact that it was not a match-up race with Quasar and that the star was pitted against rivals who were not in his class did not bother the railbirds. They simply wanted to get a glimpse of the champion and how this super horse strides out. It proved to be Paisa Vasool for the crowd who let out a big cry when the handsome colt jumped out of the gates before the big cheer the moment he cruised past the rest without Sandesh needing to raise a sweat. And finally the salute when Ganapathy went out to lead the champion of champions. Be Safe detonated his rivals without pulling the plug sending out the message that he is the best, a real performer and not a pretender wearing the crown.

Well after winning the Karnataka Mile Championship Cup, Be Safe will next compete in the Maharaja’s Cup and it will be a full house on that day if Mallesh provides the saddle to Quasar in what will be the race of the year.

For the record Agostini who had beaten Be Safe in a mock race finished second more than seven lengths behind the winner while Acclaimed took the third spot.

The supporting event, another mile long event produced a thrilling finish, the favourite Arabian warrior and the ten to one shot Torch Bearer flashing past the post locked together before the `magic eye’ nodded in favour of the public choice piloted by Trevor Patel. The top weighted Spreadeagle winner of the Hyderabad Derby caught the eye finishing on fastest at end in the V T Velu Memorial Trophy and it is needless to mention that this `Eagle’ from Arjun Manglorkar’s ward will take his pound of flesh in the months ahead.

Trevor who had to really stretch every sinew to help Arabian warrior enter the winners’ circle had it easy on another favourite Renee in the concluding event, the Neil Darashah ward making the lower division of the Flirting Vision Plate a one-horse affair. Renee, it appears is in the best of health and is set to provide an encore.

Jockey Imran Chisty who excelled while piloting the lesser fancied Frankness from Darius Byramji’s yard to a convincing victory in the no whips allowed event, the Chettinad Stud Plate earlier partnered another Darius ward New Crown who made a smashing debut in the lower division of the Everynsky Plate run over a sprint. New Crown make no mistake is in the classic mould and his progress this season is certain to evoke interest.

The upper division of the event was claimed by Life Awaits from Sriram Komandur’s yard. The winner piloted by Neeraj Rawal was strongly fancied by the insiders and the right connections and this talented son of Burden Of Proof readily justified the confidence of his supporters. Joint favourite Miracle Of Love who opened the favourite before sharing the top billing was never in the hunt. Admiral Messi gained the runner-up berth ahead of Tokyo Bloom who has the potential to shed her maiden status.

Making his first appearance at home after pulling off a coup on the eve of the Indian Turf Invitation Cup in Mumbai, Sharp Witted from the young and promising Arvind Ganapathy’s yard looked outstanding in the upper division of the Flirting Vision Plate and he justified the short price quoted on him, romping home to record his second straight success. The winner is in rousing form and is set to complete a hat-trick of wins when saddled next.

Earlier the Bold Gesture Plate for lowest rated horses produced a shock result, Trapezoid from Punna’s stable edging out Gagan Star and the top weighted Galway Girl close home. The favourite Flying Bullet, it appeared had lost his galloping shoes and as a result his supporters lost out a little from the big packet they made on Knighthood on Saturday.