Desert God has run two excellent races in England and unfortunately for me, having backed him each way, has finished fourth on both occasions. I have been an avid follower of Indian horse racing for some years now, (I think that my wife and I first visited the Mahalaxmi racecourse in Bombay more than ten years back, and have attended three or four times since).On our first trip there we joined the local "railbirds" near the walkway from the paddock and even spoke to Niall McCullagh, and at that time we knew nothing about his brilliant record in India.

With regard to Desert God, we have to remember that he is still only a five year old, and that he is adapting to a completely new environment, running on the sort of lush turf that he has never encountered before. He will improve. Given his experience of riding in India and getting involved in the training of horses there, I feel that Richard Hughes is the perfect choice as trainer; although he and Mr.& Mrs. Padmanabhan might consider using David Allan to ride the horse at some time in the future, as he knows the horse so well.Best wishes to all H'talkers.

@ Mad MaxI watched the race live thanks to Major's reminder.

Yes Ramji, Desert God finished 4th by a short head and lost the place money.
Watch the race here !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEvk-0BiFxA

Desert God finished fourth in the race after gallant fighting

I agree with Mad Max.

Desert God has a chance, not to PLACE only, but to win OR to finish 2nd.


Good luck Desert God; you can do it.

@ Rajeshk

You are correct. Apologies for the error and thanks for correcting it.

He Will Not Finish In First 4.
Most Probably He Will Finish Last Or 2nd Last.
By The Way How Many Horses Are Running In That Race ?

No chance desort god
I think 6th or 7th place

maj sir it will be ridden bt shane Kelly not by shane foley,shane foley rides in Ireland and retained by M.HALFORD,shane Kelly is R.HUGHES STABLE JOCKEY.And Desert God was ridden by shane Kelly at Windsor last time.

Desert God will finish 3rd. Definitely he will save Place money for the punters.

Desert God carrying 62-0 kgs. and going the grueling distance of 2 miles first time in his life,the dice seems heavily loaded against him.Lets pray and hope he places in this mission impossible.