The cause of poetic justice was served in the 19th running of the Poonawalla Breeders’ Multimillion on Sunday at Mahalakshmi Race Course. Another notable element about the 1400 Metres Grade I event for three year-olds was that ‘form’ worked out to perfection as the top two fancies were separated by a mere one half length at the finish.

A Razeen gelding out of All Heart, Autonomy started off in promising style by making a winning debut. Second time out, Autonomy was third to Red Romeo, a going-away winner, in mid-February. On the Saturday before the Indian Derby, Autonomy eked out a win in the Breeders’ Produce Stakes. C Rajendra, riding Set Alight, who finished second, objected and was able to show, to the satisfaction of the stewards, that Richard Hughes, aboard Autonomy, had caused interference that stopped Set Alight from reaching the wire first. The placings were reversed

Red Romeo deserved to be the favourite on the basis of his two sparkling wins and in the process, offered evidence that there was more to come given a normal upward curve. Autonomy, the choice of many a discerning observer, was next in demand. The others were pretty much at nourishing odds.

I do not know how fast the fractions were. The first and second favourites raced in midpack and for the most part, away from the inside and close to each other. As the race took a serious turn, Red Romeo was asked for a run by Mick Kinane and the response was electrifying. The C D Katrak trainee had the measure of the leaders and struck the front about 200 Metres to go. Richard Hughes, on Autonomy, had shadowed Red Romeo and put his mount in top gear. Even as Red Romeo was being hailed, Autonomy, taken to the extreme outside, was looming large. With less than 100 Metres to run, Red Romeo’s advantage was being whittled down. With Kinane trying to cling to the lead and Hughes, hard at work to gain the edge in the waning yards, it was a duel that kept the fans at the edges of their seats. As the pair raced past the wire, it was Autonomy and Richard Hughes who had gone one better.

As Mick Kinane returned to the unsaddling enclosure, he paused before entering the walkway to look at the replay on the giant infield screen to satisfy himself that he had been touched off. Yes, the Irish reinsman had failed narrowly to make it a lucrative big race double in India. Three Sundays ago, the six-time Irish champion and a rider who has won almost every important horse race in the world, had steered Hotstepper to victory in the McDowell Indian Derby.

I had a chat with trainer Bezan Chenoy. Articulate and willing to answer questions, trainer Chenoy, was thrilled that Autonomy had redeemed himself. “We wanted to let Autonomy take his shot and it all worked out well. I had asked Richard (Hughes) to let Autonomy relax as much possible. Richard gave the horse an opportunity to settle down. Autonomy’s move was timed perfectly. That big brush took him into contention and helped him have the measure of Red Romeo. All along, I knew that Red Romeo was the one to beat and Richard thought the same and implemented his strategy well.”

Bezan Chenoy went on. “I have no doubt that he can get longer trips. I do not see a problem. There’s potential.”

Asked about targets and plans, trainer Chenoy spoke without any ambiguity. “Autonomy has done enough for now. I will not take him to Bangalore. He deserves a break. May be, I will race him in Pune. He will be given a long period of rest. I have every hope he will come back stronger and better.”

I caught up with Richard Hughes. He explained his strategy. “That race three weeks ago made one thing very clear to me. I decided not to hit the front at any point. Covered up, Autonomy can close with a burst. The question was timing it right. I followed Mick and when he surged to the front, I tried to keep up and my horse was eager to go on. As the post came closer, I knew my mount was galloping more resolutely.”

Asked about his riding in flat races and jumps, Richard spoke about his background. “When I was younger, I did a lot of jumps racing. I have about 50 winners in my career. In fact, this year I rode a winner at Ascot.”

Confirming that he will be in Hyderabad for the Invitation Cup weekend, Richard Hughes shed light on the 2008 English season. “You know I will not riding for Khalid Abdullah. I will be a free lancer but I believe I will ride a lot Richard Hannon’s horses. He has a big stable. It’s early to mention prospects. He may have some good ones and hopefully, I’ll be aboard.”

I was fortunate enough to cross paths with Mick Kinane. “Do you think you may have moved too soon?” I asked.

Kinane shot back without a moment’s hesitation. “What do you think?”

“That’s the general impression a fan would get.”

“Let me tell you, the best horse won. No question.”

Asked if he thought that Red Romeo would go extended trips, Kinane had this reply. With a chuckle, he said, “I do not give free opinions.”