Despite all the shortcomings that have come to stay with horse-racing in the recent past, it is not difficult to find people who indulge in the game whole-heartedly and even manage to crack a joke or two on their favourite pastime. Since Southern Empire’s loss in the Indian Derby was no less than a calamity for the moneybags and genuine sport-lovers believing that it was an insult to their IQ, there were punters who said they fancied the chances of Ruben Star turning the tables on this season’s undisputed champion. Jokes apart, Southern Empire (Placerville – Stunning) lived up to his champion status and signed off his classic campaign on victorious note in the Panchshil Indian St. Leger (Gr.1) on Sunday. Ruben Star’s designated role of pacemaker for Southern Empire lasted about four-furlongs in the longest classic as the four contestants crawled in the initial stages. Even Southern Empire fought for his head with B. Prakash. Ruben Star refused to do the bidding of his connections and revolted by refusing to take any further part in the race with more than 2000-metres left after which the responsibility fell on Rain Splasher. Rain Splasher, Southern Empire and Lombardia ran in a single file till the 1000m-marker. Prakash gradually started to make his move at this stage and eventually tamed Rain Splasher before the last lap of the journey began. Malesh Narredu astride Lombardia closed in on Southern Empire and but for that fleeting second when the Imtiaz Sait trained filly created an ominous scenario, the S. Ganapathy trained equine splendour completed his task in a workman-like fashion. Apart from recording various achievements in this outing, Southern Empire helped his saddle partner reach an important milestone in his career. B.Prakash rode his 100th classic winner astride Southern Empire. Jockey C. Rajendra rode a winning treble to boost his tally to 29, surpassing Niall McCullagh’s 27, and has stolen a march over Malesh as they now clash for the championship title. Rajendra had an armchair ride aboard Altaf Hussain trainee Star Conquest (Alnasr Alwasheek – Star Concert), who gained entry to the highest class with her fourth victory of the season. Star Conquest chased Royal Hunt in the early stages and cantered home when given a free rein. Hazelhead took the second slot ahead of Royal Hunt who kept Native Strategy at bay. Rajendra had to employ every skill in his repertoire to outwit the Malesh ridden Scheherazade in the lower division of the A. F. S. Talyarkhan Trophy. The Burden of Proof progeny had been in the vanguard all the way till the Magansingh Jodha saddled debutant Radiating (Senure – Radiant) played spoil sport. Rajendra atop Radiating went into an overdrive to mark Scheherazade. Malesh didn’t take things lying down and was equal to his task. The day however belonged to Rajendra and Radiating. Scheherazade was vanquished by a neck. Wonder Falcon ran in snatches throughout and ended fourth behind Priceless Solitaire. Rajendra accomplished his third win quite easily on Imtiaz Sait schooled Beyond Belief (Warrshan – Leit Motif). He got off to a good start before allowing Royal Princess to show the way. Beyond Belief regained the lead on entering the home stretch and the event was reduced to a no-contest thereafter. Orpheus and Hugo Boss managed to come in the money after Royal Princess and Magic Touch retired without much ado. Malesh had better luck in the upper division of the A. F. S. Talyarkhan Trophy as he inspired Pesi Shroff’s protégé Livorno to earn a short-head verdict over runaway leader Regal Reform in a nail-biting finish. Regal Reform was a winner at every stage of the race but was shocked on the post by Livorno. Fired Up and Catalyst, the two most fancied runners in this race, never raised any hopes and ended in the rut. Pesi and Malesh completed a double when Chagall (Burden of Proof – Current Bay) put it across to his rivals in the concluding race. Chagall had lost narrowly to Struie earlier but the shorter trip seems to have done the trick for Chagall on this occasion. Elmwood had a minor scuffle with Chagall which didn’t last long. Red Dawn ended third ahead of Hoofbeats. Hormuz Antia went laughing all the way to his bank as both Queen of the Turf (Major Impact – Untold Story) and Tantrik (Razeen – Stolen Kisses) lived up to their master’s expectations. Queen of the Turf didn’t trouble K. P. G. Appu too much except showing some lethargy in the beginning but Tantrik was a superb master stroke from the ex-jockey. Tantrik with S. P. Ranjane in saddle proved far too speedy for his rivals and showed a clean pair of heels to all of them including Thunder Zone, The Rebel and Teaser. He even survived the feeble attempt to dislodge him in the Stewards’ Room. Helmsdale (Royal Kingdom – Housewarming) had been knocking at the doors for a fairly long time and her pleas were finally answered in the Rustomji Byramji Trophy. D. K. Ashish hardly made a mistake as he timed his challenge and brought the mare abreast of Notable Runner opposite the stands. Having grabbed the lead Helmsdale didn’t let go of it despite Rajendra’s vain attempt on Gold Craze. Salazaar ended a close third and may not have had the same luck as Chagall yet he lives to fight for another day.