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Deep Water Blues herself was no mean customer. She was in fact an out and out stayer, winning both the Calcutta Oaks and the marathon Northumberland Cup. Cordon Bleu had probably derived her speed from her sire Riyahi whose long list of classic winners including the indomitable Adler and the prolific Star Contender makes him one of the best sires that this country has seen.
Thus, Cordon Bleu had the breeding all right, and the looks too – a pretty roan. The property of Dr Vijay Mallya carried a wonderful French name which often refers to a super chef but in this case, the literal translation of ‘blue riband (cord)’ is more apt as she had gone on to capture the highest honour on the Indian turf – The Indian Derby – and how! So there is something in a name after all. It can capture the imagination of fans and admirers.
After an inconspicuous maiden start when she was available at 30/1, Cordon Bleu won her next eight races, climaxing with the country’s piece de resistance.
Rather amazingly, she was available at cramped on-money odds right throughout her career but was quoted at 15/1 just before the start of the Indian Derby as she was reportedly under the weather and running temperature. Prior to that, during the Bangalore Winter, she had bagged the 1000 Guineas, the 2000 Guineas, the Oaks and the Arc without too much trouble.
Though Vasant Shinde had ridden her on all those four occasions, it was the Irish star Michael Kinane who was declared to ride her in the big ’un as Vasant was to ride Divine Light who was the 5/2 second favourite. The public choice was Enrico from Bezan Chenoy’s yard. The third favourite at 6/1 was Calcutta’s Brave Dancer.
Stablemate of Enrico, Kir Royale and Ernie Johnson set a cracking pace after Mighty Thatch shot his bolt at the 1,600 marker. Divine Light was well placed at third till the top of the straight while Mickey Kinane was happy to bide his time in mid-division along the rails. With a furlong to go, Divine Light called it a day and Cordon Bleu came with a blistering run through a rough passage to land the spoils – and that is what makes her the greatest filly of her time – her courage to win despite a training setback. What a finish, an unforgettable race!
