Jacqueline (King Charlemagne – Talita Kumi) ran a breathtaking race, sitting well off the pace in the dead last position, even as her nine rivals made the final turn for home. It was one of those hair-rising performances that unfolded in the historic homestretch of the Mahalaxmi racecourse. The HDIL Indian Oaks (Gr 1) was won by Jacqueline in a common canter! Every one of the thousands that had come to witness the third Indian Classic of the season, gasped in awe as Jacqueline surfaced almost unnoticed and sprung into action at the business end of the race, to butcher her opponents ruthlessly and tear away in a manner that left the entire field shocked and almost embarrassed.

Imagine Astral Flash, in full flight with jockey C D Hayes going all out, simply left stranded with a speed machine coming alongside and passing them in a flash. Worse, jockey Richard Hughes was not even moving a muscle. Jacqueline literally ambled through the inner rails, making it look ridiculously easy. Richard looked absolutely confident right through the race. He was detached from the bunch, racing almost three lengths behind Amazing Ray, the second last horse. Jacqueline was the last to enter the straight yet, Richard’s elbows were still but his wrists would be feeling the strain of gripping the rein tightly.

Whether Jacqueline found her way through horses, or Richard guided her would be a fifty-fifty opinion, but all the same, Jacqueline was making progress cutting through the gaps as if enjoying herself at what she does best – gallop. Richard was taking it easy for far too long but he sure knew what he was doing. If one was looking for a climax there wasn’t going to be any, as Jacqueline proved too good to race away effortlessly opposite the Grand Stands to accomplish one of the most startling and finest victories in an Indian Classic. “I nearly had a heart attack,” said Vijay Shirke, joint owner of the amazing filly Jacqueline. “I had expected her to stay the trip and I must also admit that I was confident that she would win. But what unfolded caught me completely by surprise and set my heart thumping. I think I have a very strong heart to have come out of this high excitement safely. The anxiety in the first half of the homestretch was just too much to handle, the latter half multiplied our joy.

Richard was remarkable and Jacqueline, simply the best,” said Mr Shirke whose colours Richard Hughes had donned astride Jacqueline. Mr Khushroo Dhunjibhoy popped the Champagne Bottle at the presentation podium with great enthusiasm. “The ease with which Jacqueline won was unbelievable. It’s a really proud moment for us. Richard was spot on with his assessment and Pesi has done a superlative job with Jacqueline. It was a great team effort and Jacqueline turned in a star performance,” KND, as the ex-Chairman is fondly called, stated. Mr Bergis Desai, the demure part owner of Jacqueline summed it all up in one line. He said, “I was stunned speechless, if ever my mouth opened, it was in awe of this great performance by Jacqueline.” The man of the moment certainly was the man in the saddle Richard Hughes.

“Oh this one was no big deal, Jacqueline was at her best and Mr Shroff had tuned her to perfection. I knew her potential and was confident of her ability. It never bothered me to stay at the rear as I did. I knew what I was doing and to an extent I think the opposition too played into my hands. There was enough room in the straight for me to manoeuvre my way, I could have chosen to race from the stand side too. Jacqueline was travelling beautifully all through and she knows when to go for it.” I asked Richard light-heartedly that what odds would he offered on Jacqueline for her next target – The McDowell Signature Indian derby on 7th Feb? “Same as today – 10 to 4 on,” was his quick reply. Pesi Shroff had his ‘poker face’ mask back on again. The 2000 Guineas day was an exception I reckon. “I am blessed of having owners who have complete faith in me and are very understanding. I thank them for entrusting me with such quality horses. Again I have been lucky to have horses like Jacqueline training with me.

Richard rode a perfect race and everything fell in place aptly for us,” he said matter-of-factly. I have seen jockeys punching their fists in the air in triumph while crossing the finish line and trainers/owners running to lead in their horses with a pronounced gait and genuine glee writ large on their faces for winning races of much lesser importance. But this man Pesi is a totally different proposition. I sometimes marvel at the man’s ability to control his emotions. On an occasion of this great victory of his ward, he had to be human and show his glee.

A grin of success, a twinkle in the eye or even a wave of hand, something, something had to emerge out of him. What was it that was going on in his mind that one couldn’t make out if he was walking to lead in an Indian Classic winner or walking to the saddling enclosure? Was he already making a strategy and preparations for the McDowell Indian Derby which eluded him last year? Anyone has an answer?