Arrived truly arrived when it mattered the most — on the biggest day and in the most important race. While full credit must go to the deserving winner, it is impossible to ignore the fact that the gallant runner-up might have turned the tables with the assistance of a top-class jockey.

A. Prakash delivered a ride of complete commitment and maturity. There was nothing more he could realistically have extracted from the horse, and he deserves full marks for his effort and judgment under pressure.

The case of Gold Empire is altogether different and far more intriguing. Here, professional experience ironically worked against the connections. The horse considered to be the stable’s best, and chosen by the main jockey Suraj, finished last among the three stablemates. On pure merit and performance indicators, Gold Empire was capable of producing a vastly superior result — one that could very well have translated into a victory by at least two lengths.

Racing, once again, reminded everyone of its eternal lesson: reputations do not win races — horses do.

The bottom line is clear. Trainers must trust the true ability of their wards.