A Pall of Gloom descended at Hyderabad when the news of Jockey K. Suresh's death was announced. K. Suresh, who had a fall from Amazing Act on Aug 3, battled for life for almost 10 days before breathing his last. Two minutes of silence was observed in the race course for the departed soul and the jockeys wore a black band as they went out to ride, expressing their sorrow at the passing away of their colleague.

Flying Rudolf had the benefit of a run and with a Hanging Bit on battled out valiantly with Auxiliary and Crocodile Hunter to claim The Stewards Cup at nourishing odds. Raj Veer led with Vinaleo, Auxiliary, Crocodile Hunter, Sprucespingsten in close attendance as the field took the final turn. Raj Veer fought it out till the last 200 metres and gave up as the three fancied runners started their battle. Crocodile Hunter and Auxiliary who finished second and third respectively will earn their corn bill soon.

Trainer jockey combination of S.A. Sehzad Abbas and P.S. Chouhan picked up a double winning the opening and concluding events. Iaepetus won the opening race from Hypnotic and Vijayrath. Iaepetus stopped the clock at 1 min 39.76 secs, creating a new course record on the monsoon track. Hypnotiq ran a good race and should score early.

Red River Rebel who had missed the winning berth at Bangalore this Summer by a thin margin completed the formality when she won the concluding race much better than the verdict suggests. On top of the straight, Jockey Harish used the stick freely on China Pearl even as Chouhan used only his hands and heals on Red River Rebel.

Artistic Emperor was knocking at the door with two good runs this season. He was completely ignored in the betting for the simple reason that the in-form jockey Suraj Narredu had partnered him on the earlier two outings and the lesser known G.B. Khade declared to ride. Khade rode a neat race along the rails and held on to win from Vijaysena. Green Haven took a long time to warm up and came up with a late dash to finish third.

Strategic Partner, who was the firm favourite in The Turf Club Cup, had to bite the dust as La Lapitus won the race. Strategic Partner jumped out well and was settled with the front bunch as Easy Mover led early. Strategic Partner was in front on the home stretch but La Lapitus, who was coming up with telling strides, was sighted a winner at the distance post. The second favourite Ruben Stein was withdrawn before the start as he refused to get loaded. Lucky Damsel finished third.

Narwhal with jockey Ravinder Singh astride jumped out smartly from the gate and led all the way to the winning post. On top of the straight, the favourite Allegation along the inner rails and the second in demand Garrison Chief on the outside put up a challenge but Narwhal kicked on gamely to win.

Mi Jinkle had finished last after taking a fly jump in her last outing. After taking a good jump in the first division of The Vishakhapatnam Plate run over 1,200 meters, Mi Jinkle was tracking Mr. Chief who led till the last 200 meters. Thereafter, Mi Jinkle took it up and just managed to hold on from Ice Man who was getting closer with every stride in the concluding stages. Lot of money came on Feudal Lords who was backed down to 11 to 10 against. He lost about two lengths at the start and quickly covered up lost places. Jockey Harish had to encounter traffic problems on the straight and finished third.

See You There was another well-backed favourite who failed to justify the favouritism. See You There took over the running coming round the final bend and tried to run away with the first division of The City Girl Plate. Lavender Mist although drifted out alarmingly at the distance post passed the leader and won. Many Thanks, who finished second pegging back the favourite, should score soon.

Perseverance paid dividends when jockey Harish kept riding out Classic Ruby even after Baby Oh Baby had passed him nearing 200 metres. Classic Ruby came with a re-run to drive back Baby Oh Baby by a little over a length. Al Jameel's third and Vijay Marg's fifth are for your note book.