The classy grey Sir Cecil confirmed that he is the best horse on the Indian racing circuit, winning the Kingfisher Ultra Derby, the marquee event of the summer season in resplendent fashion. The winner from the Dashmesh Stud Farm with five straight victories to his credit including two classics is rated high by his trainer Padmanabhan who made no secret of his opinion that the winner of the blue riband will remain unbeaten in the months ahead. That’s a big statement taking into account that in this game there is no certainty, but Padmanabhan knows his onions and that should comfort the Brars, the breeders and owners of the champion horse.

In his last essay in the colts Championship Stakes, Sir Cecil needed to dig deep into his reserves to peg back Star Superior in a thriller but on D-day in the blue riband he cruised past the Rajesh Narredu ward the moment Trevor Patel released his grip and it was clear at this stage that the classy grey had assumed command and it was all over bar the shouting and screaming. The local hero was provided a standing ovation by the railbirds who chose to make big investments on the champion and were rewarded for the confidence and support.

A delighted Padmanabhan disclosed that Sir Cecil performed to his expectations. ``It’s a big high and very thrilling when you train two brothers to win Derby. Hall Of Famer won the Indian Derby in Mumbai and Sir Cecil now has won his first Derby at home.’

It was triple treat for Dashmesh Stud Farm winning all the three classics, Colts and Derby with Sir Cecil and the Fillies through Punjabi Girl.

Before his victory astride Sir Cecil, Trevor failed to score on the public rage Castlebridge in the BTC Anniversary Cup. Cavallo Veloce from Chennai-based trainer Suresh gained the day in the hands of Akshay Kumar. The fact that Trevor lost on two horses Corfe Castle and Castlebridge, who on paper looked outstanding stunned the railbirds and it was clear that the Mumbai-based pro had blotted his book. An enquiry is opened into his riding on Corfe Castle on Derby eve and Trevor it appears is in trouble despite his success in the big one.

Pesi Shroff-trained Brainstorm proved too good in the Kolkata Cup. The winner after a good lung-opener, finishing fifth to Romantic Star produced a top draw effort to trounce his rivals including Courage who surprisingly was the top fancy in the event despite looking a trifle gross at the paddock and more importantly coming back after a long-layoff. While he struggled and eventually finished in the ruck, Sedulous despite T Jodha choosing to take him on a Bangalore Palace tour finished a good second ahead of last start winner Automatic.

Padmanabhan-trained Indian Pharaoh who had gone down fighting last time out went one better in the Mystical Million, snuffing out the challenge of Bradfield College. Pesi Shroff-trained Roberta making her debut was strongly fancied. The favourite, however was never in the hunt and finished a poor fourth.

M P Mahesh schooled Good Time Indeed won the upper division of the Chennai Cup.   Akshay Kumar pushed the winner in front and though the second favourite shifted in and out in the final furlong he still managed to score from Noahs Ark who was slightly inconvenienced by the front-runner changing course. However, the objection by apprentice Koushik against Akshay was overruled. The public choice Huemac a smart last start winner only finished third.

Money came pouring in on the Neil Darashah-trained Queen of Latifa in the lower division of the event but the favourite flopped and only could finish third behind the runaway winner Haedi`s Folly and Spirit Of London.

Second in demand at the betting ring Export Quality from Neil Devaney’s yard won the upper division of the Hyderabad Cup in the hands of Srinath who later booted home Haedi’s Folly. The favourite Tokyo Rose after raising hopes midway up the straight found Export Quality too hot to handle in the final furlong. Princess Rumela finished third. R V Manohar- trained Final Destiny won the lower division of the race.