Redefined upstages Santissimo to claim the HPSL Pune Derby

Redefined upstages Santissimo to claim the HPSL Pune Derby

Trainer Prasanna Kumar’s colt Redefined, piloted by Akshay Kumar, won the HPSL Pune Derby (Gr. 1), the stellar attraction of the Pune racing season here on Sunday, October 13. The winner is owned by Mr. Ashok Ranpise, Mr. S.R. Sanas, Mr. D.R. Thacker rep. DT Racing & Breeders LLP, Mr. Prasanna Kumar, Mr. K. Kamesh & Mr. Ram H. Shroff & Mr. Raj H. Shroff rep. Stride Livestock Pvt. Ltd.

Redefined, the second favourite at 5-to-1, was skilfully positioned in fourth place from the 1000m until the final bend. As they entered the home straight, Redefined surged forward to take the lead and held off a late charge from the fast-finishing Santissimo to secure victory.

Following the race, Trevor, who rode the favourite Santissimo, lodged an objection against Akshay claiming interference in the final 400m. According to Trevor, Akshay had drifted into his path, breaking Santissimo’s momentum, and had accidentally struck his mount on the face with the whip. However, after reviewing the incident, the Stewards dismissed the objection.

Suresh Paladugu, managing director of HPSL, while expressing his gratitude to the RWITC committee after presenting the Derby trophy, announced that HPSL would sponsor the Pune Derby for the next five years and co-sponsor the Indian Derby in Mumbai.

1. PUNE POLICE COMMISSIONER’S TROPHY (Div. II) (1,200m): ESCAPE VELOCITY (A. Sandesh) 1, Silver Braid (Gore) 2, Toscana (N.B. Kuldeep) 3 and Sentinel (Bhawani) 4. 4, 2-1/4 and 1/2. 1m, 8.62s. ₹20 (w), 15, 53 and 20 (p). SHP: 132, FP: 667, Q: 648, Tanala: 4,045 and 1,261. Favourite: Escape Velocity. Owner: Mr. Neil Madan Bahal. Trainer: Adhirajsingh Jodha.

2. PIONEER TROPHY (1,600m): CHRISTOPHANY (Antony Raj S) 1, Fast Pace (Vivek G) 2, Tehani (Akshay K) 3 and Bubbly Boy (S.J. Sunil) 4. 3-1/2, 2-1/4 and 3/4. 1m, 36.98s. ₹68 (w), 12, 20 and 13 (p). SHP: 51, FP: 572, Q: 351, Tanala: 1,187 and 509. Favourite: In Thy Light. Owner: Mr. C. Aryama Sundaram. Trainer: Imtiaz A. Sait.

3. PUNE POLICE COMMISSIONER’S TROPHY (Div. I) (1,200m): APEROL (C.S. Jodha) 1, Pure (P. Dhebe) 2, Lord Eric (Akshay K) 3 and Quicker (Bharat) 4. 1-1/4, 1-1/2 and 1-1/2. 1m, 8.36s. ₹19 (w), 12, 12 and 17 (p). SHP: 51, FP: 135, Q: 79, Tanala: 201 and 52. Favourite: Aperol. Owners: Mr. Akhtar Adamji Peerbhoy, Mrs. Shahnaz A. Peerbhoy, Mr. Sudendu Shah, Mr. & Mrs. Shapoor P. Mistry rep. Manjri Horse Breeders’ Farm Pvt. Ltd., Mrs. Preeti C. Shah & Mr. Ajay K. Arora. Trainer: Adhirajsingh Jodha.