S Padmnabhan’s Desert God (Burden of Proof – Running Flame, Kunigal Stud) has made Hyderabad turf his happy hunting ground. The multi-classic winner who has affixed his stamp of authority across the country bagged his sixth St Leger victory, a tremendous feat that puts him among the all-time great thoroughbreds in the history of Indian racing. He has done well all over; however, Hyderabad in particular has seen him perform exceptionally well. He has won seven graded races out of eight on this turf, with a narrow loss to Adjudicate in the Invitation cup being the only exception.

Desert God towered over his five rivals and the race was universally considered as a no-contest. His domination was evident right through as he ran on his own terms and when he had toyed enough, just barged ahead with 800 meters to go leaving the rest to scamper for the minor slots. For jockey A Sandesh, it could not have been any easier as the only time he moved a muscle was to look back. And the only thing on view would have been a long expanse of lush green turf!

This was Desert God’s sixth Leger win overall. On the Hyderabad turf, he now has the Colts’ and the Deccan Derby (2015), Twin successes in the President’s Gold Cup (2018 & 19), and on the day he picked up his second Golconda St Leger having won it last year as well. Desert God has been the highest stake-money earner ever - his gross earning well over Rs Eight crore mark, hence has earned his legendary status on sheer merit.     

The day however, started with a big shocker as two of the least expected runners shocked the favourite Be Sure as well as the next in demand Wave Rider both of whom had two of the topmost jockeys. The unpredictability of this sport was amplified as two 20 to 1 shots fought hard and pegged back the prime fancy Be Sure in a tight finish.

Magical Skill did the early running with Wave Rider and Be Sure following close behind, Durango was next with Air Strike and Yanga in the rear, but just about three lengths from Magical Skill.  

Be Sure went for it early in the straight and sped past the leader and shaped well. He looked good enough more because his main rival Wave Rider wasn’t quickening well enough and never raised a quality gallop and her supporters lost hope even before the turn.

Be Sure went into the lead alright, but jockey Suraj had to really work on him to stay ahead. He used the whip hand actively and the doubts began to creep up. He had a handy cushion though, but the question was, was it going to be enough. Inside the last furlong, Air Support and Yanga started to draw closer briskly but Suraj kept goading Be Sure all the way. Jockey BR Kumar rode his heart out on Yanga (Mull of Kintyre – Michele Marieci) and the Ravindra Singh trainee gathered speed to put her nose in front right on the wire. Air Strike too was ridden well by jockey Neeraj Rawal, but just fell short. Be Sure ended alongside these two to take the third spot.

Jockey Akshay Kumar yet again rode out passionately picking up three winners on the day. He had a back-to-back double combining with trainer Sequeira. One One One (Abbeyside – Missoni) was the public rage and Akshay was flawless astride the filly. Sitting close behind early leader Max, One One One shot ahead past the 400 m mark. She picked up speed with every stride there on to stretch out fluently, looking the winner long way from home. She won by a healthy margin and was eased up well before the winning post. Shaquille improved in the straight only to beat the rest comfortably. Max kicked on to save place money.

Esteva (Whatsthescript – Panamera) carrying the top weight had to be coaxed a bit to quicken and the on-money favourite made her appearance in the final 100 meters with a fiery dash. Mehrzad led them into the straight and clung on for as long as he could and he has done so now on almost all occasions. He failed to sustain and paid the price again. Esteva was in third on straightening for home and Akshay Kumar nursed the filly through, picking up speed in the final furlong. She finished with a flourish to zip ahead a few strides from the winning post to score a comfortable victory, her second on the trot. Star Racer too finished on well, but made little impact on the winner while finishing just one length behind. Mehrzad held on to the third spot from Safra by a narrow margin.

The Mystical Plate run over 2000m was touted to be between favourite Brave Warrior and Akshay ridden Charlie Brown. While Charlie Brown raced with the pace in second behind early leader Darshish, Brave Warrior was way off the pace in the last position.

Charlie Brown, trained by Robin Reddy, had the first go and soon accelerated well to establish a handy lead. Brave Warrior had to make up considerable ground, but with Charlie Brown not showing any signs of slowing down, Brave Warrior resigned to the fact. Ajmal Birju made a spirited bid and even closed in on Charlie Brown. It was a bold effort but Charlie Brown had it covered alright, warding off the challenger and holding on by ¾ of a length. Brave Warrior ended a tame third.

Sateesh trained Classy Guy (Net Whizz – Fiery Pegasus) obliged a large following but was stretched in the final furlong and had to work hard to smother the threat from Augenstern. He looked to be sailing through coming into the homestretch, until he started to drift out under pressure. Seeing a chance, Augenstern slipped through the rials and made a strong bid. However, apprentice jockey Jitendra Singh was up to the task and rode all out to carve out a narrow win. Augenstern ended a good second while Farmville kicked on to save place money.   

For the professionals, jockey Akshay Kumar scored a fine treble, while trainer RH Sequeira saddled a double.