In a thrilling display of equestrian prowess, trainer Pesi Shroff’s exceptional colt, Zacharias, ridden by the talented jockey Vivek G, galloped to a magnificent victory in the prestigious Villoo C. Poonawalla Pune Derby (Gr.1) on Sunday, October 12th. This highly anticipated event served as the highlight of the day’s races, captivating spectators with its intensity.
Zacharias is proudly owned by Mr. & Mrs. Vijay B. Shirke, Mr. Jay V. Shirke, Mr. Martand Singh Mahindra, Mrs. Rina Mahindra, and Mr. Neville H. Bilpodiwala, who celebrated this monumental win.
Adding to the day’s excitement, jockey Antony Raj S showcased his skill by riding three winners.
Jockey Vivek G demonstrated remarkable composure and strategic riding aboard Zacharias. He expertly kept the gelding in a comfortable fifth position for the majority of the race, allowing his mount to settle into a powerful rhythm without any unnecessary haste. As the field rounded the final turn and headed for the homestretch, Vivek unleashed Zacharias, and the son of Western Aristocrat, out of Watchmyscript, responded with an electrifying burst of speed.
With an incredible turn of foot, Zacharias effortlessly surged past his competitors, securing a dominant win by an astounding five and a half lengths. This commanding performance was not only a testament to the horse’s superior class but also marked a significant personal achievement for Vivek G, who celebrated his first-ever Derby triumph—a truly unforgettable moment in his burgeoning career.
Complete Race Results from Pune:
1. COMMANDER TROPHY (1,400m): OPUS DEI (C. Umesh) 1, Scaramouche (T.S. Jodha) 2, Liam (Omkar) 3 and Eagle Day (S. Chouhan) 4. 3/4, 1-1/4 and 1-3/4. 1m, 27.18s. ₹43 (w), 18 and 14 (p). SHP: 28, FP: 105, Q: 34, Tanala: 764 and 910. Favourite: Scaramouche.
Owner: Mr. C. Aryama Sundaram. Trainer: Imtiaz Sait.
Note: In this race Amadeo (Mukesh K up) planted into the stalls and did not participate.
2. JAYANT M. SHAH & CHAMPAK M. SHAH GOLD TROPHY (2,400m): ENDURANCE (C.S. Jodha) 1, Land Of Plenty (Ramswarup) 2, Looking Like A Wow (Antony Raj) 3 and Viking (Trevor) 4. 2-1/4, 2 and Long Neck. 2m, 34. 08s. ₹23 (w), 31 and 10 (p). SHP: 47, FP: 98, Q: 80, Tanala: 511 and 346. Favourite: Endurance.
Owners: Mr. & Mrs. Homi Mehta, Mr. Jehangir Mehta, Mrs. Liane Luthria & Mr. Milan Luthria. Trainer: Imtiaz A. Sait.
3. PUNE POLICE COMMISSIONER’S TROPHY (1,200m): JOONDALUP (C. Umesh) 1, Cinderella’s Dream (Aditya) 2, Starseed (T.S. Jodha) 3 and Majestic Warrior (Mustakim) 4. 2-1/4, 1/2 and 1-1/4. 1m, 8.51s. ₹127 (w), 29, 11 and 79 (p). SHP: 37, FP: 818, Q: 283, Tanala: 3,922 and 5,883. Favourite: El Moran.
Owners: Mr. & Mrs. Dilp Thomas rep. The Rajagiri Rubber & Produce Company Limited. Trainer: James E. Mckeown.
4. JIMMY UMRIGAR TROPHY (Div. I) (1,400m): ALFONSINE (K. Sai Kiran) 1, Exciting (Vivek G) 2, Caradoc (Trevor) 3 and Skandha (T.S. Jodha) 4. Not run: All For Love, Bravo Zulu, Gold Bar and Semurg. 3-1/2, 2-1/4 and 5-3/4. 1m, 25.07s. ₹24 (w), 10, 13 and 13 (p). SHP: 21, FP: 53, Q: 45, Tanala: 62 and 19. Favourite: Caradoc.
Owner: Mr. Arun Kumar P. Trainer: Prasanna Kumar P.
5. NOSHIR & DOLLY DHUNJIBHOY SPRINT MILLION (Gr. 3) (1,200m): SHAMBALA (Antony Raj S) 1, Magileto (Trevor) 2, Christophany (Neeraj) 3 and Dubai Princess (Nazil) 4. Neck, 2 and 3/4. 1m, 06.94s. ₹15 (w), 13 and 19 (p). SHP: 34, FP: 44, Q: 27, Tanala: 137 and 84. Favourite: Shambala.
Owners: Miss. Nazzak B. Chenoy & Mr. J.H. Damania. Trainer: Nazzak B. Chenoy.
6. VILLOO C. POONAWALLA PUNE DERBY (Gr. 1) (2,000m): ZACHARIAS (Western Aristocrat — Watchmyscript) (Vivek G) 1, Gunsmoke (Havana Gold — Belliflore) (Yash Narredu) 2, Superstar (Leitir Mo — Shane) (A. Prakash) 3 and Baychimo (French Navy — Lady Sargent) (Antony Raj) 4. 5-1/2, Long Neck and Short Neck. 2m, 02.73s.₹37 (w), 13,31 and 39 (p). SHP: 52, FP: 697, Q: 236, Tanala: 3,238 and 1,766. Favourite: Prokofiev.
Owners: Mr. & Mrs. Vijay B. Shirke, Mr. Jay V. Shirke, Mr. Marthand Singh Mahindra, Mrs. Rina Mahindra & Mr. Neville H. Bilpodiwala. Trainer: P. Shroff.
7. JIMMY UMRIGAR TROPHY (Div. II) (1,400m): CONJURER (Antony Raj S) 1, Claude (Sandesh) 2, Her Charge (Bhawani) 3 and Namiri (Trevor) 4. 1-1/4, 3 and 3. 1m, 25.15s. ₹15 (w), 12, 13 and 19 (p). SHP: 32, FP: 27, Q: 22, Tanala: 261 and 132. Favourite: Conjurer.
Owners: Mr. Cheriyan Abraham and Mrs. Smita Bajoria rep. Cherie Sports Pvt. Ltd. Trainer: B. Prithviraj.
8. VINAYAK SALVER (1,000m): FLASHMAN (Antony Raj S) 1, Samson (Mustakim) 2, We Still Believe (Pranil) 3 and Arbitrage (Gore) 4. Long Neck, 1-1/4 and 3/4. 57.94s. ₹23 (w), 18, 54 and 21 (p). SHP: 129, FP: 1,096, Q: 283, Tanala: 3,995 and 1,557. Favourite: Flashman.
Owner: Mrs. Bakhtawar B. Chenoy. Trainer: Bezan Chenoy.
Tragic Incident: During the Vinayak Salver race, Superluminal (ridden by R. Shelar) unfortunately fell near the 600m mark, dislodging its jockey. Shelar was immediately attended to by the medical team and transported to the hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment for neck and head injuries. He was reported to be conscious.
Jackpot: 70%: ₹777 (1,215 tickets), 30%: 78 (5,202 tickets).
Treble: (i) ₹3,535 (5 tickets), (ii) ₹197 (176 tickets).
Super Jackpot: 70%: ₹10,191 (6 tickets), 30%: ₹904 (29 tickets).