In a bizarre incident rarely witnessed during a race, Strauss ducked just as the gates opened catching jockey Suraj Narredu unawares and causing him to lose his balance. The dark bay colt jerked his head sideways violently before unseating Suraj, who fell headlong on to the ground. Three-year old Strauss, who is trained by KSV Prasad Raju, was the odds-on choice to win the Kaleshwaram Cup on Monday. Punters, who expected Strauss to win easily, were distraught and watched in disbelief as he came riderless out of the gates.

Glimmer Of Hope set the pace with Honourable Lady and Exclusive Spark on his tail till the field straightened for home, a furlong and half away from the wire. Lesser known Mohit Singh ridden Exclusive Spark challenged the leader thereabouts and soon assumed command while Carnival Lady warmed up to her task though a bit late. Robin Reddy saddled longshot Exclusive Spark (Sedgefield – Spark Of Silver) was punished heavily to keep Carnival Lady at bay. Explosive ran third ahead of Pinatubo, who showed no spark despite being ridden aggressively by Mukesh Kumar.

Apart from the unfortunate incident involving Strauss, there were no nasty surprises in store for the punters. Trainer Laxman Singh was successful in saddling an attractively priced winning double through Bandit King (Chinese Whisper – Lady) and Sergeant Reckless (Knight’s Tour – Crown Royal). Bandit King got straight to business shortly after the horses jumped out of the gates and dictated the terms all through the mile and half journey. His rivals headed by Wallop And Gallop were left struggling in the straight with Just Incredible waking up when the race was as good as over. Wallop And Gallop, Just Incredible and Grand Duke followed the winner home. True Icon probably found the handicap tough and retired without raising any hopes for his followers.

Kuldeep Singh piloted Sergeant Reckless followed runaway leader La Mirage and favourite Miss Solitaire into the straight and moved resolutely to collar them both. Mukesh Kumar partnered La Mirage, who was a winner at every stage of the race except in the last 50m, went down to a much fitter horse. Miss Solitaire, who ended a close third, also seemed to be short of a run though she moved well in the closing stages before being overwhelmed by the winner. St Emilion ran fourth ahead of an uninterested lot.

Miss Solitaire’s owner and stable-mate True Marshall however obliged in the hands of Akshay Kumar and claimed the upper division of the Florina Plate. True Marshall (Roderic O’Connor – Lombardia) took a smart jump and wrest the initiative from his main rival Avancia shortly after the start. The bay gelding set a strong pace over the seven furlong trip thereafter and won untroubled from Hoping Cloud, Avancia and Precious Gift.

M Faiyaz Ali Khan’s ward Top Diamond (Top Class – Yokumoku), who was knocking at the doors of success, finally entered the winner’s enclosure after Mukesh Kumar steered him to a narrow victory over General Atlantic. Mukesh eased the favourite into the lead as the gates flew open and drove him vigorously in the last lap of the race which helped him escape the clutches of General Atlantic. Gaurav Singh ridden General Atlantic, who entered the straight last, came with raking strides towards the end but found the winning post coming to the rescue of the winner. N R I Millennium, who had all the chances of challenging the winner close home, and Quality Warrior filled the frame without showing any real intent.

Md Ismail ridden on-money favourite Above The Law (Surfrider – Melinda) made ample amends for his unfortunate failure in his previous appearance in the lower division of the Sircilla Plate. Robin Reddy’s candidate Above The Law gave no anxious moments to his admirers as he lay a handy third behind Garnet and Golden Forza and came with a scintillating run in the home stretch to go sailing clear for his maiden win and also to give his master a well-deserved double. Indian Temple’s late rally fetched her the runner up berth ahead of Mind Reader and Inside Story.

Jockey BR Kumar substituted injured Suraj Narredu astride Bedford (Phoenix Tower – Browning) and got a winner in the bargain. The speedy Bedford from ex-jockey Neelesh Rawal’s yard grabbed the initiative at the start and lasted out to win from fast finishing Briar Ridge. Malaala was also in strong contention in the last furlong but was unable to raise a winning gallop and finished a close third with Four One Four, who finished leisurely, a head behind.

Anant Vatsalya schooled mare Lightning Fairy (Total Gallery – Lake Fairy) struck immediately on demotion in the curtain raiser of the day. Red River made a pillar to post bid and established a long lead, which eventually proved to be her undoing, with Lightning Fairy ridden well off the pace by Ajeeth Kumar. Red River started losing pace in the final furlong and found both New Hustle and Lightning Fairy drawing closer. Lightning Fairy despite carrying top weight wore down Red River and had the race in her kitty. New Hustle ended second after Red River faded out to finish third ahead of Sweet Melody.