The Hyderabad racing circuit witnessed a captivating day of equestrian sport on Monday, October 20, culminating in Trainer G. Sandeep’s magnificent steed, Hugh Capet, triumphing decisively in the featured Sandown Park Plate. Under the expert guidance of jockey Akshay Kumar, Hugh Capet showcased an impressive performance, much to the delight of owner Mr. Subodh Kumar Ananthula.
Here’s a detailed look at the day’s race results:
1. Nijinsky Plate (Div. II) – 1,200m
The day kicked off with the Nijinsky Plate, where GREIF, ridden by P. Sai Kumar, stormed to victory. Sharanga (Ashad Asbar) secured second place, followed by N R I Range (H.M. Akshay) in third, and American Gangster (G. Naresh) taking fourth. Not running in this division was Kitsune. Greif finished 5-1/2 lengths ahead, with a head separating second and third, and 1-1/4 lengths to fourth, completing the race in 1 minute, 11.20 seconds. Betting returns: ₹201 (win), 27, 19, 18 (place). SHP: 22, THP: 54, FP: 1,019, Q: 426, Tanala: 3,454. The favourite was N R I Range. Owners: Mr. S. Prasad Raju & Mr. Mukund Kakani. Trainer: K.S.V. Prasad Raju.
2. Sircilla Plate – 1,400m
The 1,400-meter Sircilla Plate saw ARIZONA SUN, with Akshay Kumar in the saddle, delivering a stellar performance to claim the win. Special Star (P. Sai K) was a commendable second, with Elegant Lady (Ashad Asbar) and French Lady (Ajay K) finishing third and fourth respectively. Arizona Sun crossed the finish line 3-1/2 lengths clear, followed by a gap of 4 lengths to third and 4-1/4 lengths to fourth, clocking 1 minute, 27.05 seconds. Betting returns: ₹20 (win), 12, 19, 10 (place). SHP: 43, THP: 50, FP: 105, Q: 70, Tanala: 220. Arizona Sun was the firm favourite. Owners: M/s. Ashok Kumar Gupta, Rama Seshu Eyunni & Rafaat Hussain. Trainer: R.H. Sequeira.
3. Sandown Park Plate (The Main Event) – 1,400m
The highlight of the day, the Sandown Park Plate, was dominated by HUGH CAPET, ridden by Akshay Kumar. Brooklyn Beauty (Gaurav) put up a strong fight for second, while Reigning Beauty (Afroz K) secured third, and Decoy (Mukesh K) finished a close fourth. Hugh Capet won by 3/4 of a length, followed by 1-1/4 lengths to third, and a short head to fourth. The winning time was 1 minute, 26.14 seconds. Betting returns: ₹17 (win), 13, 21, 26 (place). SHP: 163, THP: 76, FP: 307, Q: 291, Tanala: 5,106. Hugh Capet was the favourite. Owner: Mr. Subodh Kumar Ananthula. Trainer: G. Sandeep.
4. Mir Mushtaq Ali Khan Memorial Cup – 1,200m
In the Mir Mushtaq Ali Khan Memorial Cup, EMERALD TOUCH, partnered by A. Ashad Asbar, claimed the top spot. There was an exciting dead heat for second place between Clara (Akshay K) and N R I Highpower (Mukesh K), with Tiger Ruby (Rafique Sk.) finishing fourth. Emerald Touch won by 3 lengths, followed by the dead heat, and 3-1/4 lengths to fourth, with a time of 1 minute, 12.55 seconds. Betting returns: ₹20 (win), 10, 18, 10 (place). SHP: 15 and 13, THP: Refunded. FP: 25 and 28, Q: 16 and 19, Tanala: 50 and 60. Emerald Touch was the favourite. Owner: Mr. N. Shyam Sunder. Trainer: N. Rawal.
5. S.S. Cardmaster Memorial Cup – 1,400m
HOPING STAR, ridden by P. Sai Kumar, emerged victorious in the S.S. Cardmaster Memorial Cup. Juramento (Surya Prakash) was second, Alcahol Free (Rafique Sk.) third, and Classy Dame (Abhay Singh) fourth. Flashing Memories did not run. Hoping Star won by 1-1/4 lengths, with another 1-1/4 lengths to third, and 4-3/4 lengths to fourth, completing the race in 1 minute, 27.72 seconds. Betting returns: ₹58 (win), 20, 13, 19 (place). SHP: 47, THP: 52, FP: 175, Q: 70, Tanala: 518. Juramento was the favourite. Owner: Mr. Gurjinder Singh. Trainer: Jasbir Singh.
6. Nijinsky Plate (Div. I) – 1,200m
The final race, Nijinsky Plate (Div. I), saw FOXY GIRL, with Sonu Kumar aboard, cross the finish line first. Equine Power (P. Sai K) took second, Dream To Fly (G. Naresh) placed third, and Eminency (Nakhat) was fourth. Foxy Girl finished 4 lengths ahead, followed by 2-1/2 lengths to third, and 1-1/4 lengths to fourth, with a time of 1 minute, 12.98 seconds. Betting returns: ₹66 (win), 11, 13, 19 (place). SHP: 34, THP: 42, FP: 125, Q: 50, Tanala: 552. Equine Power was the favourite. Owners: M/s. Ashok Kumar Gupta, Vishal Gupta & Meka Nitish Reddy. Trainer: M. Srinivas Reddy.
Payouts & Exotics:
- Jackpot: 70%: ₹1,648 (306 tickets) & 30%: ₹192 (1,124 tickets).
- Mini Jackpot: ₹688 (116 tickets).
- Treble: (i) ₹1,469 (19 tickets), (ii) ₹304 (128 tickets).
That concludes a thrilling day of racing from Hyderabad, with many memorable performances and some exciting finishes!