A huge applause from the appreciative crowd thundered on as Mr Zavaray Poonawalla uttered “Let the lights be switched on” and in an instant the dusky tracks glowed in brightness as the flood lights came on. A brief unveiling of the Zavaray Poonawalla Evening Races Logo was followed by a spectacular display of fireworks that had was enthralling and the entire  ceremony was classy with the logo flags carried by four horsemen trotting across the Grand Stands made for a rich experience. The sizable crowd were spoilt for choice as an array of entertainment and food stalls was waiting to provide everything and anything one wished for with retro music soothing the ears of the thousands that had thronged the Mahalaxmi  racecourse to be a part of the historic moment. The party went on late after the last race and it would suffice to say that the city of Mumbai would now add a new destination to unwind on weekends.

On the racing front, it was Devoted Eyes (Multidimensional – Ave Maria, Usha stud) who was all charged up at the business end and arrived with a tremendous turn of foot to snatch the glory from Alora. The latter did everything right until the final few strides, before Neeraj Rawal brought Devoted Eyes on to the scene with that electrifying finish.

Alora was the quickest out among the 16 runners and darted into the lead going at a good clip. Alora sped away on turning for home and also built up what looked a very handy lead. Arak and Siaobhan were not quickening as desired after being in striking position. With a furlong to go, it still looked Alora had it covered, however, once Neeraj Rawal switched to the outside, Devoted Eyes stepped on it and arrived with a flourish. She flew at full throttle and looked aggressive in the final 50 to collar Alora a couple of strides from the winning post and carve a niche for herself winning the Zavaray Poonawalla Evening Racing Triple Million and the mammoth silver Trophy value at Rs One Million! Alora just failed to sustain and Shivalik Shine did well to improve positions from the rear to finish on well to take the third spot ahead of Arak.

Devoted Eyes is owned by Dr YK Hameed & Atul Amersey, trained by CD Katrak and was forcefully ridden by jockey Neeraj Rawal.

Danse Debonaire (Royal Gladiator – Danseuse, Pratap Stud) showed the youngsters in the fray that age is just a number. All of seven, Danse Debonaire showed a lot of grit when it mattered to fight his way to win a close battle with four-year-old Vitesse. The usually front running Danse Debonaire settled in third allowing stablemate Allegiance to set the pace with Uncle Scrooge in second, the rest of the field followed close behind.

Uncle Scrooge surged past Allegiance at the turn and tried the runaway tactics. He had a break of over five lengths coming into the straight, but he failed to capitalize on the sizable lead. Vitesse looked good as he shifted gears to mount his challenge. Danse Debonaire too galloped alongside and these two easily got past Uncle Scrooge and raged a battle past the distance post. They fought stride for stride and in the last 100m meters Marcos and Striking Story too arrived with an effective gallop to join the battling duo. It was a close finish, with Danse Debonaire prevailing by half a length, with Striking Story, Marcos and Vitesse crowding the finish.

Stardom Calling (Noverre –Pescara, Sohna Stud) had disappointed when fancied in Pune, but bounced back on his first outing this season with a commendable run. Assigned to jockey Amyn Merchant, Stardom Calling raised his game to beat a fairly big sized field.

Mind of Madness led the field into the straight with Stardom Calling waiting to pounce on the leader. Romantic Lass was right up next and favorite Shades of Glory making her run on the wider outside. Stardom Calling shot past Mind of Madness with ease and then bounded forward spiritedly. Shades of Glory progressed steadily but had too much to do in the final furlong. Stardom Calling kicked on gamely and stayed comfortably ahead to win it  convincingly. Shades of Glory tired her best, but could not topple the winner. Romantic Lass, running after a year, did well to figure in with the money. With the benefit of this good outing, she would come right into the reckoning in her next.

Denny Crane (Arazan – Blue Horizon, Poona Stud) won with authority over his closest rival Traherne in dominating fashion. He was out quick and led all the way. Once into the straight, Jockey Akshay broke away from the bunch and set off to increase the lead. An Jolie fell back and hidden soul was not exactly gaining. Denny Crane was well ahead coming into the last furlong and duly stayed clear to win with authority. Traherne came from behind with Draco in tow to finish second, just managing to pip Draco for the runner up berth.

Shivalik Story (Acclamation – Sweeping Story, Hazara Stud) scored a bloodless victory in the opener and never gave the opposition even a sniff. Jumping smartly from draw 1, the Dallas Todywalla trained filly was ready out to make it a start to finish affair. Hope Springs tried to cut pace and Victorio stayed in close attendance, however, Shivalik Story was sighted as the winner a long way from home. Sandesh guided the public fancy home with the cool and ‘no fuss’ demeanor that we now expect from one of the country's top professionals, and started off the evening racing proceedings with one for the railbirds.

The bookies struck back soon enough in the 2nd race with the ‘jodi’ of The Unicorn and Snowing going down to 12/1 long-shot Rodeo. The grueling 2800m Byculla Cup demands that the winner emerge from the stoutest of stayers, and Rodeo surely fits the bill. Here is a horse who has not only rubbed shoulders with champions such as Amazing Grace and Native Knight, but has run 4th in the Stayers’ Cup over 3000m not too long back! The Unicorn was the prime market fancy and readily went to the front to dictate the pace in predictable fashion. Down the back stretch, Al Shamsheer suddenly decided to try and steal a march, and came from last to take over the running and the pace suddenly picked up. The Unicorn gave chase and when the heads turned for home, Rodeo who had been switched off and biding his time loomed up alongside and galloped resolutely. While the verdict on paper was close, Rodeo had the measure of The Unicorn from well before the wire.

Rocking from H.J.Anthia's yard was another long-priced winner that had the punters reeling. The 30/1 price was the combination of indifferent form, and an 18 horse field. The 9/4 favourite Commitment, jumped smartly and led the field at a fair pace till two furlongs from home. At that stage, Rocking who had travelled in box seat all the way was pulled out, and with a couple of cracks took over the running and kept going till the wire. Gunga Din stormed home when it was all over, and pegged back a visibly tiring Commitment to take the second place.

Brahmachari a highly thought of sprinter from Imtiaz Sait's yard obliged as a favourite in the 4th and pulled one back for the good guys! P. Trevor has undeniably taken over the reins as one of India's most dependable saddle artists and the racing public is well aware! Trevor jumped smartly and allowed a few speedy 5 furlong specialists to lead him round the bend, but the moment he alerted Brahmachari to the task, the response was immediate and highly effective. The dam of the winner was the speedy Avec Plaisir and we can surely expect this horse to improve further. Classic Moment came from off the pace to finish a close second and as such is one for the note book.

For the professionals, trainer CD Katrak was the lone pro to score a double.