I still can't believe we won the big race! God is truly great! Yet, there is one thing I am certain of, that the DCN write-up on the Independence Cup attracted many new people to the races. This year, we had what seemed like an overwhelmingly large turnout, the likes of which I have yet to see in my almost fifty years of racing in Pune. And I had a strong gut feeling that my article published on August 15 in DCN was only the beginning of the story. I felt there would be a sequel, and that our horse running the Independence Cup would win. As it turned out, my intuition was right!

The Teena Katrak Memorial Independence Million 2026 Sunday. Turned into an unforgettable day. It will not be out of place to mention that this is the fourth time my husband Naren Lagad has won this prestigious race.

And it truly runs in the family! 

Naren's uncle, the legendary trainer Major K.P. Jadhav, and his son M.K. Jadhav have both won the Independence Cup five times each. Another cousin, Bal Lagad, has won it three times. Between the Lagad and Jadhav families, the Independence Cup has been won a record 17 times - a remarkable legacy in Indian racing and a testament to the extraordinary contribution these two families have made to the sport. 

We reached the paddock on Saturday just in time to hear Naren giving minute instructions to jockey P. Trevor. The three of us, Naren, our daughter Anousha and I watched all the runners keenly and came to the happy conclusion that Allez L'Etoile looked a winner in every way. 

He was fit and fine, Strongly muscled, keen, completely wound up and raring to go. And, of course, he had the advantage of a top-class rider to guide him.

Allez L’Etoile looked magnificent in the parade ring. He justified those looks with the authoritative he won. He literally thrashed the opposition and romped home all alone.

Trevor eased him in the final part of the race because he felt the horse might have pulled a muscle or ligament. But by then, the race was ours. Nothing can quite describe the sheer joy, pride and exuberance of winning a race and Ieading your horse in. Every partner gets to hold the leading reins and pose for photographs. This time, there were umbrellas getting in the way, so we could not get as close to our horse as we would have liked to pat him and say. "Well done, boy!" And, as predicted by me, it did rain! Independence Day without a shower or two is no fun!

The presentation ceremony was another memorable moment, with all the partners taking turns to hold the beautiful crystal trophy. On the dais were RWITC Chairman Mr Surendra Sanas, members of the Katrak family, the proud owners, trainer and jockey. But for me, this victory carried a much deeper significance. 

The race honours the late Teena Katrak, who was a much-loved childhood school friend. Teena and her sisters, Sheravaz and Nawaz, studied with me at Fort Convent. Her husband Cooji, a former trainer colleague of Naren's, is not only a dear friend but also an owner in our stable. My friendship with the Katrak family is very deep-rooted. That is why winning this race means so much to me.

One thing that struck me most was how enduring our friendship has been. From Christmas Day 1987 to Independence Day 2026, Shernavaz and 1 have remained close. Nearly four decades later, our friendship and love for each other have only grown stronger. And then there is the story of Alpine Star.

Three years ago, I had won this same race with Alpine Star.

There is a very interesting story behind Alpine Star and perhaps the moral of that story is simple: Respect your better half, especially if she is intuitive... or perhaps even a little clairvoyant! Sometimes, in racing, you study the form, watch the horse, assess the jockey and analyse every possibility: sometimes, simply listen to your gut. This time, thankfully, my intuition got it right.

Courtesy https://dcnnews.co.in