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Mr. K N Dhunjibhoy later sportingly said during the presentation: “The horse that crosses the winning post first, is the deserving winner.”
Versaki has battled hard even during his early days. He surely gives one the impression that he is a toughie, the chip-on-the-shoulder types, always geared up for a rendezvous. The brave Versaki set off with the pace set by Red Dragon and was in third stalking Classerville. As they began to take the turn, there was a tussle between Versaki and Cabriolet as the latter sensing that Red Dragoon in front was slowing down. Malesh went for the narrow gap and at the same juncture Rajendra in the process of turning for home, appeared to move in closing the gap in doing so. Classerville brought the field home and Versaki mounted his challenge straight away. Versaki shifted in soon on passing Classerville causing him to check and also a bump on the railing the very reason for the second objection. Versaki, however, had surged forward and let the others chase him down. Only Cabriolet was up to the task and came on fast at Versaki. It looked a touch and go in the final fifty, but the gritty Versaki was powerfully ridden by Rajendra to keep firmly ahead at the winning post.
“I am delighted at Versaki’s success. He is a big-hearted horse. He has never dominated his rivals but has not let anyone pass him either. He likes to win, and I like to watch him win,” remarked Mr Haresh Mehta, the proud owner of Versaki. When asked whether he thought Versaki would stay the Derby trip (2400) Haresh wittingly posed the question back saying, “You judge him by his style of running. If you have an answer, please let me know.”
Jockey Rajendra looked relieved at the presentation ceremony. “It was indeed a tough race and Versaki is a game fighter. It may appear that I was a bit too quick with him in the straight, but he was too keen to forge ahead. I didn’t want to disappoint him and he fought hard to stay ahead. It was indeed a close finish but I never doubted the result anytime in the race,” Rajendra concluded.
“Oasis Star and then immediately Versaki, what more would I want,” said the beaming trainer Cooji Katrak. “On second thoughts, I am hungry for more,” he quipped with a smile. “Oasis Star is the best sprinter I have trained and I am proud of her continued successes. She once again won untroubled and unextended. You could feel the confidence Srinath (jockey) displayed while waiting for a passage through the rails. Once clear, Oasis Star went about her job without much ado. That’s her!”
“Versaki’s Derby win was special. He was going over the distance for the first time. Of course, he had given every indication that he would get the trip. I am very happy with his performance. Yes the Indian Guineas will be his first target then of course the big one,” he said.
