The sporting and popular owner and breeder Marthand Singh Mahindra and his queen filly Kangra emerged champions of the winter season. The proud son of the legendary owner Suresh Mahindra who had played a big role in the development of the sport in india, successfully identifying the right routes to get the sport on a high road will certainly be smiling, most satisfied that the Mahindra legacy still continues in the sport which brought him fame. 

Marthand deserves it. It was a dream winter. It proved to be one good run for the roses and Marthand now needs to present one big rose to his wife Rina who he admits brought him the luck which is required to carve a niche in this game. 

Marthand cherished the moment, when Kangra flashed past the post first in the Bangalore Winter Derby and when she did it again in the Champion Of Champions event, the Indian Turf Invitation Cup in Kolkata on the first Sunday of March, Marthand would have loved to cut one portion of the track and take it to Broadacres. He simply was ecstatic and the unassuming man was over the moon. Kangra had provided him the big ticket and opened the door, the door to the Hall Of Fame and the couple loved it all. 

"It really was a dream season and I enjoyed every moment. From the time I got Rina in as an owner, it is all happening and she I believe has changed it all and in a span of four months we are in the Hall Of Fame," said Marthand delighted with the results this winter. 

Kangra has put Marthand Singh Mahindra where Suresh Mahindra wanted him to be and the man is delighted with the big picture. A couple of months earlier he was not even looking at the door, forget knocking on it. He simply crashed in and that's how the big stories emerge. And Marthand is the new poster boy of Indian racing. 

He ended up as a Leading Individual Owner and the Leading Joint Owner and Kangra was rightly adjudged, both, the Horse Of The Season and the Champion Horse of the season. The true-blue owner was emotional when he read out the names from the long list, he needed to thank hoping that he will not miss out on any and he surprisingly,taking into account that never runs out of words or curtails his speech,, looked exhausted and had nothing to say after his thanks giving speech.

On a day he came to collect all the big awards, Tic Tac Ipsy Tipsy made a smashing debut and that again was a big reason to smile before laughing all the way to the podium to wear the champion sash. 

"It took a long time to happen. And now that it has happened I only hope the winning streak continues," said Marthand while pointing out that it was a team effort. 

Marthand apart, leading pro Srinath and the young Prasanna Kumar cornered glory, the former booting home 15 winners while Prasanna led in 13. Most trainers at the start of the winter are looking to strike it rich with their youngsters and Prasanna did just that, a couple of juveniles from his yard showing promise while starting their careers on a winning note. 

The Managing Director of the Kunigal Stud farm, Zeyn Mirza too was pleased with the results, Kunigal obtained though he was a trifle disappointed that a couple of good youngsters from the farm were not put to test, injuries and medical issues delaying their start to announce their arrival. 

"The results are good from Kunigal's point of view. It could have been better. But injuries and health issues are part and parcel of the game," said Zeyn. 

The delayed winter season concluded without a hitch and BTC is now looking forward to make summer a season to remember.