The day’s proceedings at the track were marked by a moment of reflection, as stewards, trainers, and jockeys gathered in the paddock to observe a minute’s silence. The tribute was held in memory of legendary jockey Nelson Reuben, who passed away in Kolkata the previous day. Reuben, a celebrated figure in Indian racing, is famously remembered for his 1974 Indian Derby triumph aboard Topmost.
Race Day Highlights and Results
In the feature race, the S.A. Poonawalla Million (1,600m), Jaandaar proved too strong for the field, finishing 5-3/4 lengths ahead of runner-up Avener, with Rampage and Nebula rounding out the placings. Earlier in the day, trainer Pesi Shroff also found success in the Sultan Suleiman Plate (1,200m), where Zayyan, also ridden by Vivek G, secured a victory by 1-3/4 lengths.
The afternoon featured a full schedule of competitive racing. In the Serun Institute of India Trophy (2,400m), Little John, ridden by Akshay Kumar, dominated the field to win by 4-1/2 lengths. The Excellent Sorrento Plate saw two divisions: Crimson Pirate claimed the first division under P. Trevor, while Phantasmique took the second division with J. Chinoy in the saddle. Other winners included Skandha in the Suraiya & Masoom Master Salver, Majesticus in the second division of the Mauna Kea Plate, and Coffee At Eleven, who secured the first division of the Mauna Kea Plate.
