A magnificent piece of saddle artistry by champion jockey Christopher Alford fetched the indomitable rider and his trainer Vijay Singh their fifth triumph of the afternoon and the blue riband of the winter season, the Calcutta Derby Stakes, on Sunday.
Regal Connection, a property of Deepak Khaitan, graced the wrong end of the field for a major part of the 2,400-metre trip before Alford made his move. Despite facing traffic problems at the top of the straight, Alford guided his mount expertly through a host of horses to grab the rails in the final run-in.
With Colm O'Donoghue astride the public choice Classic Sky making his move almost simultaneously at the top of the straight, a 'hammer and tongs' duel was witnessed in the last 100 metres. Though Classic Sky was inching up on her rival, the winning post came a little too fast for her liking. It was a clear case of Alford outwitting the Irishman. By running off the pace and keeping his mount covered up brilliantly, Alford dispelled all notions about Regal Connection's limited staying ability. The fact that the son of Mr Mellon out of Countess of Poland stopped the clock at 2 min 30.105 sec suggests that Regal Connection is indeed a fine stayer.
A massive political rally on Derby Day inconvenienced many a racegoer who were caught up in traffic jams lasting for hours. The totalisator manager rued the fact that hundreds of visitors couldn't make it to the racecourse because of the rally. Otherwise, he would have surely crossed the Rs 1 crore-mark in collection for the local races only, leave alone inter-venue.
However, those who were fortunate enough to make it in time before traffic snarls sent turfites for a toss, enjoyed a lovely afternoon of racing under a warm sun.
Daniel David and O'Donoghue started on the right note when the MAM filly Golden Celebration recorded a hattrick of wins this season with a fine victory in the Alokananda Stakes. Joint favourite Ayamaras was a poor last.
Thereafter, it was all Vijay Singh and C.Alford.
Alterio won the Arabian Rose Cup with ludicrous ease before Alterity continued the trend in the Misty Melody Cup.
The trainer-jockey combo completed their hattrick when Alford pulled out all stops to land the spoils in the Madras Race Club Cup with Afforce. Apprentice Sk. Israil atop Cromwell did his best to stretch the favourite but being whip-less didn't help his cause.
The afternoon's biggest outsider came in the form of western India import Autumn Rose in the Chianti Cup. Ranjeet Singh used an inside draw to good advantage as he took the Deepak Karki ward to the helm of affairs and made every post a winning one. He, however, had a tough time in staving off the strong challenge of the aged El Cid.
Another runner from the west, Quest For Cash, brought Alford and Vijay their penultimate winner of the day in the Psychic Flame Cup. Running in blinkers, the filly moved smoothly from an outside draw to take over the running in the straight. She got the better of Red Sails who finished a creditable second.
