Multi Classic winner Desert God (Burden Of Proof-Running Flame / Kunigal Stud) from the stables of S.Padmanabhan added another feather to its cap while winning the prestigious President Of India Gold Cup (Gr.I) at Hyderabad on Sunday. It was a befitting finish to the coveted 2400 metres race with two champions Alaindair and Desert God fighting every inch of the last 300 metres. The going was on the softer side with overnight rain and intermittent showers between races.

It has been a dream run for Desert God with the 4 year old champion winning its last eight starts and its total earnings to soaring to almost 7 crores, a feat unparalleled at that age. Jockey A.Sandesh was at his best while driving home Desert God by a quarter of a length.

Sea Lord hit the front as the four runners took off followed by Booker Jones, Desert God and Alaindair. Booker Jones forged ahead near the mile marker and there was no other change in the order. Desert God started to make a forward move passing the 600 metres board and Alaidair was also quickly on its haunches. The two champions came in almost together on the home stretch and started to fight it out. Inside the last 200 metres Alaindair looked to have an upper hand from the outside but Sandesh rode like one processed close to the rails and the chestnut colt responded gallantly under wet conditions to edge out Alaindair by a long neck. A distance behind was Booker Jones in third.

Jockey Sandesh was in his elements on the day having booted home two more winners to complete a hat-trick. He rode Laxman Singh trained The Healer (Lord Shanakill-Brutta E Cattiva) to an exciting victory in the Soli And Gool Poonawalla Memorial Gold Cup. Commanding Boy and Vijays Joy disputed the lead in front with The Healer racing third. On entering the straight The Healer was brought from the outside and even as the the 4 year old started to gain ground Commanding Boy continued to gallop from the inside relentlessly. The two went stride for stride in the last 100 metres and The Healer managed to pull it off by the proverbial whisker. Happy Guy rallied on to finish third.

Sandesh had earlier showed his mastery on Laxman Singh’s Naazaan (Whatsthescript-Quiet Lane) in the Half A Crown Cup. Naazaan raced a handy fourth till turning for home. On entering the straight Naazaan made its move between horses and Mr.Baahubali also got up well from the outside. The two were joined by Elysian from the wide outside and all the three were in a line with 100 metres left. Sandesh rode out vigorously in wet conditions and Naazaan stretched out to be a length and three quarters ahead of Elysian at the wire. Mr. Baahubali fell back to finish third.

K.S.V.Prasad Raju trained Rio Rojo (Tejano-Auberge / Kunigal Stud) who is in pink of condition won its fourth start this season in the opener of the day, the Alluri Seetharama Raju Trophy. Rio Rojo chased Red Rambble as they turned for home and once on the straight forged ahead to take over the running. Alameda made a bid in the last furlong but jockey Srinath and Rio Rojo were comfortably home. Red Rambble ended up third ahead of Strengthandbeauty.

Bay colt England (Phoenix Tower-Euro Star / Manjri Stud), a classic hope from trainer L.V.R.Deshmukh’s stables gave a convincing beating to the favourite Preciosa in the Rani Rudramma Devi Cup. Preciosa went on a start to finish bid with Fair And Square and England in close attendance followed by the other two after a biggish gap. Passing the distance post England surged ahead from the outside under P.S.Chouhan and drew clear. Fair And Square and Rubyonrails finished third and fourth respectively. Tinsel Town was withdrawn near the starting gates.

Deshmukh and Chouhan combined to earn their double through Masti (Echo Of Light-Mustarde) in the lower division of the Madanna Plate, the concluding race of the day. Racing in about sixth all the way, Masti started to improve and make its bit from the very wide outside. Wine N Dine also came up strongly alongside and after a brief duel Masti went clear to win by a length and a half. Penumatcha’s Pride rallied on close to the rails to be third. Proud Image finished fourth.

D.Netto trained Oh Dear (Mathematician-Dear Lisa) completed a hat-trick in the higher division. The 4 years old filly took a good jump and set out in the lead. Oh Dear continued to kick on gamely even as Bharat King made a bid in the last 150 metres and held on by half a length. Sacrifice finished third ahead of Pegasus.