The 75^th edition of the Indian Derby sponsored by Kingfisher Ultra partnered by Signature unfolded to a near-perfect script. The entire race, as it always pans out each year, was gripping right through, the cast had a hero and a heroine, and there was drama midway through the homestretch with the chase building up, which climaxed to a riveting finish with the heroine - Hall of Famer (Win Legend (JPN) - Elusive Trust) ensuring a happy ending for her connections as also for a large number of her supporters in the Grand Stands and all over elsewhere. Jockey David Allan played his part in an ‘award-winning’ manner showing admirable presence of mind particularly when he found himself up in front abruptly soon after the beginning, something that may have been discussed, but not completely expected. The director’s hat was worn by trainer S Padmanabhan, Paddy to those fond of him, as he had set the stage for his heroine to showcase her class, ability and determination on the biggest stage on the Indian turf! And boy did the girl express herself! And then there was that bit of tragic thrown in as one ‘in-with-a-chance’ contender Mathaiyus was withdrawn just before the start.

Mathaiyus stuck his limb out into the framework of the starting stall and was withdrawn at the gates. Whether Mathaiyus was injured or it was a precautionary call, the connections of Mathaiyus were upset and understandably so. There is no second chance to take a crack at the most sought after race.

The horses were off to the famous roar from the crowd and the jostle for vantage spot began spontaneously. Lucas led the field with Silver Beauty on his outside, Hall of Famer moved swiftly to take the inner rails in third spot with the rest close behind in a tight huddle. Lucas veered out soon after and Silver Beauty had to stay out of the way and this occurrence forced Hall of Famer to set her own pace, an impromptu development David Allan had not expected so soon. However, David Allan made most of it and settled Hall Of Famer to go at the comfort of her own pace. The rest followed about three lengths away from hall of Famer with main contenders Serjeant at Arms and Temerity keeping each other company in the fifth and sixth positions.

Hall Of Famer led them into the straight with a handy lead and David Allan started to ride out the Padmanabhan ward who was still ahead by about two lengths. Serjeant At Arms poked through between horses to launch his attack and when he started to gain on Hall of Famer, the focus shifted on the first favourite. Serjeant At Arms gave his all but could only get to the haunches of Hall of Famer but could never overhaul the leader. In the final 100 meters, Hall Of Famer showed that she had a lot left in the tank and skipped away to win by a length. Serjeant At Arms had found one better, second time in his career on his ninth outing. Temerity saved the place money, almost climbing on to Serjeant at Arms. Winter Renaissance was a gallant fourth after having run with the pace all through the race and she had performed well above expectations.

David Allan basked in the glory which he was familiar with twice before, the latest being last year’s edition atop Desert God. “It all worked out well and when we got to the front early on, I knew I had control over the pace. Hall of Famer travelled well and had a lot within coming into the homestretch. I was confident she would last out even as Serjeant At Arms got close, as I knew she would fight harder when challenged. She galloped on spiritedly and I am delighted with the win,” said David Allan.

Paddy knows how to keep his calm poker face expression even while winning a race of this magnitude. “We were confident right from the start that we had a filly who was in fine fettle and good form. Her Calcutta Derby win was facile and she travelled well too. She showed good progress here and I had also stated in the press that I would be surprised if Hall of Famer did not win. She ran true to form and the result was as we had expected,” said Padmanabhan.

Hall of Famer is by Win Legend out of Elusive Trust and is bred at the Dashmesh Stud Farm. The Stud Farm has previously produced top notch thoroughbreds such as Elusive Pimpernel, Chaitanya Chakram and Astronomic among other classic winners. Angel Dust, the Bangalore Derby winner was also sired by Win Legend and Dashmesh Stud Farm is certainly heading for brighter days ahead.

The Kingfisher Ultra Derby Trophy was a glittering one valued at Rs 150,000/- and along with it a rich purse of Rs Two Crore went to the winning connections out of the total stakes of a little over Rs 3.36 crore. It will remain a memorable and a moment of pride for owner Mr Tegbir Singh Brar to now have his silks painted on the jockey’s statuette that will be displayed on the lawns of the RWITC until the next Derby winner is crowned. The Club and the sponsors would be happy with the mammoth turnout and they stood up to the task ensuring big prizes and bigger entertainment for the masses that thronged the racecourse. The race too was run as was believed by most that the winner would emerge from the trio of Serjeant At Arms, Hall of Famer and Temerity and a great majority of enthusiasts had plenty to shout about. The RWITC and the Kingfisher Ultra teams staged the biggest race of the land with befitting aplomb and fanfare and the management of such a huge crowd was done with panache and finesse.