MUMBAI: Four-year-old colt Enabler, trained by Malesh Narredu and assisted in the saddle by his son Yash Narredu, proved his staying ability beyond doubt to win the HPSL Indian Derby, the biggest race of Indian racing at the Mahalaxmi racecourse on Sunday. Synthesis finished second while Jamari was third ahead of favourite Jendayi. The 26-year-old rider Yash kept his mount strategically in the mid-bunch as Fighton showed the way to a 12-horse field.
As Fighton ran out of gas at the top of the homestretch, both Jamari and Synthesis moved ahead to fight a thrilling battle for supremacy. With 400 metres to go for the winning post, Yash put Enabler in top gear, and the Pune Derby winner managed to pip both the front runners in the closing stages of the race.
"I was worried midway when the race had become slow but thankfully, I was behind Jamari and Synthesis and I knew they will carry on and would not drop," said Yash who was celebrating his first Indian Derby success. "When I asked my colt for a final effort, he responded magnificently," he added.
Malesh, though confident from the beginning, admitted that he too was worried by the slowing down of the pace midway in the race. "Luckily both Synthesis and Jamari kicked on to revive the fast pace and it helped my colt," he said. It was a second Indian Derby success for him after his ward Be Safe had won the 2015 edition.
It was the first time in the 82-yearold history of this mega race that a pair of father-son emerged victorious. "Yes, they are the first such pair," confirmed Satish Iyer, in charge of the RWITC stud book department.
About 16000 people attended the races in both the enclosures.
Results: HPSL Indian Derby (2400m): Enabler 1, Synthesis 2, Jamari 3, Jendayi 4. 1-1/4, Nk, ¾. T:2:28.72. Tote: Rs 33 for win; 11, 15, 19 for place; Shp: 63; Fc: 127; Q: 114; Tanala 432 & 267
