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It was a strong Sunday crowd that had gathered at the Mahalaxmi racecourse, waiting in anticipation for the most interesting race of the day. A strong line-up of top-rated colts was vying for supremacy and the Indian 2000 Guineas (GR-1) could have easily been termed a shorter version of the forthcoming McDowell Indian Derby. After all, the top crop of the year was facing the starter. The crowd was exceptionally charged up and the presence of Bollywood heartthrob Akshay Kumar only fuelled the crescendo. Akshay was warm and personal with the friendly crowd who were vocal in their cheering for Akshay. He spoke in Hindi as well on the mike and even attempted to speak in Marathi, much to the amusement of the crowd. Wife Twinkle too was at home and revealed that she used to come to racecourse ages back. When asked how his first visit to the racecourse had been, Akshay remarked jokingly, “I came in the first time, backed a horse the first time and now I lost my money for the first time,” receiving a roar and loud laughter from the crowd. Akshay gave away the Mid-Day Trophy to the Dhunibhoys, winners of the race with IL Tabarro trained by Vinayak and ridden by SA De Souza.
The day belonged to Jacqueline. She was simply marvellous on the track and once at the business end of the race, she produced a scintillating burst that snuffed out the challenge from the colts. Only Star Ruler put up a brave fight for a brief while. In the last few strides, Jacqueline was on her own!
Versaki hit the front and had Cabriolet chasing him closely followed by Mighty Crusader until the turn. Jacqueline settled beautifully in the rear as did Sea Ruler. Versaki entered the straight with a marginal lead; Cabriolet was working towards matching strides with the leader. Forest Flair threw in his hat and began to stride closer to the leaders. Richard Hughes was still biding his time and had Jacqueline on a tight rein as they dashed past the 400 mark. Sea Ruler was warming up as well on the wider out. Midway up the straight, With Versaki, Cabriolet and Forest Flair fighting hard to outdo each other, Richard shifted gears and let Jacqueline go. Jacqueline responded as if she had been waiting for this moment and charged forward finding her own way between horses. Her final gallop was blinding. Versaki was completely outpaced, as was Cabriolet. Jacqueline and Sea Ruler both made their final move at the same juncture about a furlong and little more from the winning post. The surge of Jacqueline was too powerful for Sea Ruler who never gained on the filly. The young ‘lady’ was just too good for the colts and this victory of Jacqueline was a lot more dominating and awe-inspiring than in the 1000 Guineas.
Richard Hughes knew what he was talking about a week in advance, soon after the 1000 Guineas victory last Sunday. “She is sure to run the 2000 and she will be prominent,” was what he had then professed. After winning the grand double, Richard looked happy but not surprised. “Oh, she is wonderful filly and a thorough pro on the track. She travelled so well early on that I had very little to do through the race. She is at her best today and in this form, she can take on any horse. She still had plenty left and would have kicked on endlessly. Yes, she will stay the longer distance without doubt,” said Richard confidently.
For the first time this season, I saw a wide smile of content on Pesi Shroff’s face. Normally he is well in control of his emotions and rarely gives his feelings away. Jacqueline’s achievement got out the innermost feeling in Pesi. “She is a wonderful filly and I am proud to have her in my stables. I thank the owners, my family, my stable staff and of course Richard (Huges) for delivering in such an emphatic fashion. Apprentice jockey NS Parmar, who has worked the filly and Malesh Narredu who partnered her in her early days. Vishal, my stable help, who has provided crucial inputs and to everyone who wished for us to do well,” he went on sombrely, leaving no doubt that he meant what he was saying.
I asked him if Jacqueline reminded him of his other outstanding filly Set Alight, who is now retired to stud. “Set Alight was a rare kind. I am sure if her racing career had not come to a premature end, she would have scaled the greatest heights and achieved almost everything on the racetrack. I still feel sad at the turn of events, as fate has prevented Set Alight a chance to prove her true mettle at the peak of her career. It still hurts, such horses are uncommon. Jacqueline has provided the right solace and I am going to enjoy her success and her moment in glory,” Jacqueline definitely bringing back the twinkle in his eyes.
Part-owner Bergis Desai was ecstatic. “I am reminded of Her Majesty; the wonder filly had won the two Guineas and gone on to win the Oaks and the Derby decades ago. I hope Jacqueline emulates her and adds the Leger as well. She is right on course thus far,” said Bergis during the trophy presentation.
Jacqueline and Richard Hughes were given a standing ovation when they came across the Grand Stands and were waiting for the connections for the photo-op and lead-in. The expression of genuine satisfaction and joy was writ large particularly on Mr Vijay Shirke’s face. “What a terrific filly. She has risen to the occasion and thrilled us no end. We were expecting her to put up a good show, but I have to admit, I had not expected her to dominate the colts as she did in the 2000 Guineas. The line-up for the colts was a tough one indeed, with horses like Versaki, Cabriolet and Star Ruler coming in with huge reputations and tremendous achievements. I could not have asked for more. Jacqueline has won my heart,” said Mr Shirke who was oozing with happiness. “I can’t stop smiling,” was Mr Khushroo Dhunjibhoy’s immediate response. “Jacqueline has given us a lot to be proud of and lot to feel happy about. Jacqueline has achieved something that is rare and she finds a special place amongst quite a few horses that I have had the pleasure and privilege of owning,” said Mr Dhunjibhoy.
The crowd, as I mentioned, was generous with their applause. The knowledgeable among them were in awe at what Jacqueline had achieved. I caught up with Mr Niranjan Bhati, the Club’s official handicapper. Now, a handicapper is one who watches every race closely. He is one official who would not blink if he could help it, even once during a race. Niranjan takes his job very seriously and he would be one person whose views you can take seriously. “Jacqueline possesses a lot of class and she is peaking at the right time. She started her career on a winning note and has kept up admirable consistency. She is the best filly on the circuit today, and to my mind, she can get the distance trip as well. Her victory in the 2000 Guineas was a lot better effort (than the 1000 Guineas), and such a run coming within a week is commendable. This is an extraordinary performance and beating such a strong line of top class colts in the manner she did, was a fantastic performance. Yes, I rate her very highly,” he commented.
Jacqueline now joins an elite group of legendary fillies. Since 1942, only five fillies have achieved this incredible Guineas double. Highland Rule’s was the last occasion when a filly dominated both the Guineas. That came in 1979-80, nearly three decades ago. Other greats who have achieved this feat are, Princess Beautiful, Her Majesty, Gamble For Love, and Nanda Deep.
