The viral fever breakout is a matter of extreme concern for all connected to horse racing. Majority of the race horses are now feared infected by the virus and the start of the Mumbai season sure is in jeopardy. In fact, it is reliably learnt that the RWITC has already sent an official intimation to other Turf Clubs that they may consider racing on the first few Sundays of the scheduled Mumbai season. It may be safely assumed that the Mumbai Season will not start until at least the first Sunday of December and that too on an optimistic note.

The last day of the Pune Meet saw close to forty horses being withdrawn. The feature of the day – Oxford Properties RWITC Gold Cup (Gr 2) was reduced to just four runners. Yana was the latest casualty after Personified was withdrawn. Hugo (Greensmith – Merialla) took full advantage of the development and seized the opportunity of picking up the big race, but, not without a fight. Hugo Boss, who led the foursome from the start followed by Ruben Star, Cotswold Arms and Hugo being ridden well off the pace. The same order prevailed till the home turn. Cotswold Arms and Hugo showed urgency and improved to be right with the leader as the heads turned for home. Hugo was the first challenger but found that Hugo Boss was not going to give up easily. Cotswold Arms retired leaving the two to fight it out. Both Hugo and Hugo Boss fought out the length of the straight and Hugo showed who the real Boss was! Hugo prevailed narrowly but Hugo Boss was right up there and a good second.

The Trainer Jockey combination of Imtiaz Sait – Nirmal Jodha and Mansoor – Appu struck a good double each. The former pair had earlier featured in Balthazar's claim on the Delhi Race Club Trophy. Major Roberts and Running Bull led them all the way into the straight with Balthazar in fourth. As they turned for home, Major Roberts was trying hard to stay in the hunt but soon found Balthazar (Alnasr Alwasheek – Lorne) too hot to handle. Once Balthazar took over, he was in complete charge and safely kicked away for an easy victory. Call To Arms warmed up late and ended a good second. Englehart was not pressed too hard and accepted his limitations and saved energy for another occasion. Watch out for Englehart in similar company.

Mansoor Shah – Appu compiled a well clicked gamble. Both their horses were well supported; however, the odds on Rohans Glory kept drifting out as Star Luxurious received strong support in the ring. At the start, Fire Within took the initiative with Rohans Glory close behind and Star Luxurious was a couple of lengths away. The Giant and Courage Under Fire were simply not up to it. Into the straight, Fire Within was easily passed by Rohans Glory surged past the leader and drew away with utter contempt to the rivals. Rohans Glory (Placerville – Shocking) sped away leaving nothing to chance and won well. Star Luxurious was off the bridle much before the bend and ended a tame third. Fire Within found the winner too good.

The above pair picked up the last race of the season in clinical fashion. Pure For Sure hit the front and could hold on till about midway up the straight. Ca Ching (Glory Of   Dancer – Santella Katie) who was rapidly improving all the time got to his best nearing the distance post and stormed ahead to draw away for a convincing victory. Polarizer warmed up late and showed up after everything was over to grab the runner up berth. Pure For Sure's start advantage ensured that he ended third while Tapis just wouldn't quicken. Ca Ching can repeat even over a furlong extra.

Earlier, the keenly awaited race for 2 year olds was marred by the withdrawal of asa many as 9 runners reducing the race to just four runners. River Blossom and Check Her Out (Bee's Prospector – Dancing Dreams) were almost joint favourites. Check her out darted from the word 'go' and kicked on gamely towards the finish. River Blossom appeared to offer a fight but Check Her Out simply did not give the former even a ghost of a chance. Check Her Out won well and proved elusive to her rivals dishing out a thumping victory by over three lengths. The filly looks a good type and it would pay to 'check her out' in Mumbai!

The day's first race saw a tight finish between The Right Man and Uber Alles. Acceptance Uber Alles and Secret Agenda raced in the front together. The other three were in close attendance. In the straight, the lead was changing with every bob of the head between the trio and with 200 to go The Right Man started to join in. The four were abreast with less than 100 to go. Uber Alles got past Acceptance and Secret Agenda but in the dying moments, The Right Man (Forest Fair – Amorous Delight) under sustained riding from veteran jockey JE Pereira flew home in flying finish. Pereira did a great job and rode a terrific race and timed his run to perfection.

Mr. Greedy (Placerville – Angel Heights) won the Classic Act Plate start to finish. Hitting the front early, Mr. Greedy did not encounter any resistance and in the straight only got further away from his rivals. Mubarras ended a tame second and Resilience who was racing up in front got the place money. Gold Biscuit was the one who rose from the rear to cover a lot of ground in the straight to peg back Solid Rock for a place in the frame.

Arks Angel (Diffident – Thanksgiving) ran a powerful finish to breeze past the fighting pair of Caramel and Liverpool. Caramel who led the field home, was joined by Liverpool early in the straight. Arks Angel, always behind this pair was switched to the outside and shifted gear the moment he was shown daylight. The charged Karthik ward responded with a fiery gallop and trounced the opposition sealing the result in no time. Caramel stubbornly warded off Liverpool to finish runner up.

Ishtar (Mischevious Music – Bruges) pulled off another fluke win with yet another start to finish essay. The front group comprising Ishtar, Algorithms, Dancing Glory, Eagle Mountain and Calling The Shots. Around the 1200m Calling The Shots appeared to have clipped something and the jockey did remarkably well to stay atop. His left leg was off the stirrup and he nearly fell off. The incident, however, cost a lot of ground to the horse and Calling The Shots was definitely effected by this mishap. In the straight, Ishtar had a handy lead. While the fancied pair of Algorithms and Dancing Glory failed to make a race of it, Majjor Wager put up a strong challenge. The duo went stride for stride with Ishtar always enjoying the slight upper hand using the advantage to get home by ¾ L. Eagle Mountain warmed up late to get into place money.

Indiarace Congratulates the Champions of the Pune Season 2008.