Railbirds across the country, who were starved for racing for almost a week, went home a happy lot at the end of the first day’s racing of the Hyderabad Winter Season 2008-09. With nine races framed for the opening day, eight of them went the ‘favourites’ way. Monsoon’s Champion jockey Harish started his winter campaign in style with a hat trick. Suraj Narredu and Imran Khan also scored a double each. K.P.G.Appu would be seen in action this season, riding for L.D’Silva’s stable and this will make the fight for the leading jockey all the more interesting. Among the trainers, A.Vatsalya, D.Netto and Satheesh scored a brace each.

Champ Forever won The A.P.Commemoration Cup beating Adamant Approach on the post by a whisker. As the field straightened up, Adamant Approach surged ahead and Imran tried to slip in Champ Forever along the inner rails but the gap got narrowed soon and the Champ had to be pulled out for a run. Although he ran a bit green, Champ Forever came up with giant strides to pip Adamant Approach on the post. Touch of Gold finished third ahead of Fly by Wire.

Jockey Harish opened his account on Highlands in the opening race of the day. Autumn Gold led early from Arsham with High Lands improving his position gradually from the rear. On top of the straight Autumn Gold came under pressure from High Lands who came up with telling strides to win. Arsham got closer in the concluding stages to finish second ahead of Autumn Gold.

CHAMP FOREVER

The two divisions of the Beginners Plate were bagged by wards from Anant Vatsalya’s stables. Palace Affairs claimed the upper division sparing nine lengths over Sparks who led till 400 meters. Fire Blaze won The lower division in similar fashion from Ride to Glory, Winning Strides and Modest Bride. Both the youngsters were ridden by Harish who thus completed a hat trick.

The higher division of The Deccan Star Cup was won by Lavender Mist. Suraj Narredu brought Lavender Mist with a flourish on top of the straight to win comfortably from Kohinoor Fairytale, Clever Ploy and Amontillado. Green Haven had to sweat out a bit to win the lower division. On the straight Green Haven was in the centre with Rising Rays on his outside and Phar Lap along the rails. The trio fought out for a while before Green Haven prevailed by a length from Rising Rays and Phar Lap.

Reconnect showed his supremacy when he won the lower division of The Welcome Plate with authority. Sent in as the piping hot favourite at 10 to 4 on, Reconnect who was positioned a handy third rounding the final bend, slipped in along the rails and drew away. Dash on Regardless impressed most among the beaten brigade finishing second.

Carte Blanche reproduced his monsoon form, winning the higher division of The Welcome Plate comfortably. Spectacular Falcon tried to snatch the race on entering the straight, but Suraj Narredu brought Carte Blanche with a terrific run to whiz past and win from Royal Embassy and Toofan Express.

Grand Act who was a long shot won the concluding event of the day. Grand Act who was positioned at a striking distance burst through the field and warded off the late challenge of John Galt. Portfolio and Bundle of Roses filled the frame.