Results – Kolkata

Tr. S K Sunderji when afforded an opportunity to explain the poor performance of b g NISHK which finished last (9th) in the race as compared to its previous outing in Race No. 9 - THE STAR CONTENDER HANDICAP held on 13th November, 2021 where it finished a close 3rd, stated that :- 1. My instructions to Jockey C. S. Jodha were to make the running if possible but if any other horse tries to race to the front then he should sit 2nd or 3rd and do his best in the home stretch. 2. After his last race in race No 9 I felt a furlong extra would be better suited to him, secondly I observed that he leaned on to the horse that was on the rails just in front of him rather than passing him hence the instructions to go to the front. 3. I have tried everything possible to help the horse by saddling him in the outside stall before the saddling enclosure, sending him early to the starting gates, requesting the starter to load him last. 4. I have tried to keep him fit and well and in good condition expecting him to perform well, but after his run in race no 22 I conclude that NISHK lacks consistency, he is not genuine and cannot be depended on. On questioning Jockey C S Jodha corroborated the Trainer’s instructions and further stated that when asked for an effort in the final straight, the gelding did not respond in spite of his best efforts and finished last. Their explanations were noted for future reference.

GHOST (App Sujit Kr Paswan) was slow to begin. SHIMMERING STAR (App P Tejeshwar) was eased up by its rider in the last 100 metres of the race and did not finish the course. On immediate veterinary examination it was revealed that the gelding bled from its nostrils. Tr. Ms. Arti Doctor was informed not to accept with her charge until certified fit by the Veterinary Officer. Tr. Bharath Singh expressed his unhappiness on App Sujit Kr Paswan (GHOST) for travelling unnecessarily wide in the initial and middle stages of the race in spite of him being asked by the Trainer to travel on the rails and come from the inside and do his best. App Sujit Kr Paswan when questioned stated that he was caught on the outside in the initial stages as he was drawn 8 and thereafter he travelled wide as there was too much ‘kick back’ on the inside. Further, he was carried wide approaching the final bend by SITARA (App Hasib Alam). While partially accepting the explanation tendered by the Apprentice, the Stipendiary Steward advised App Sujit Kr. Paswan to try and follow the Trainer’s instructions as far as possible in future failing which appropriate action will be initiated against him. App Hasib Alam, the rider of SITARA, was reprimanded for allowing his mount to shift out at about the 500 metres inconveniencing GHOST (App Sujit Kr. Paswan) on his outside.

LOUBOUTIN (Nikhil Naidu) was extremely fractious in its stall. Tr. D M David was advised to give his charge adequate gate practice before accepting with it again. MEMORABLE MEMORIES (Asghar) was difficult to load and extremely fractious in its stall. Tr. Shafiq Khan was advised to give his charge adequate gate practice before accepting with it again. ASTRAL FORCE (Md Imran) was slow to begin. TAIMUR’S CHOICE (A Sandesh) stood flat footed and lost considerable ground at the start. Tr. B Mahesh was advised not to accept with his charge until shown to the satisfaction of the starter in a barrier trial during the hours of morning track work. Jockey Nikhil Naidu, the rider of LOUBOUTIN, was fined a sum of Rs. 3,000/- for the excessive use of the whip (1st infringement).

EASTWOOD (Neeraj Rawal) arrived late to the start thereby delaying the proceedings of the race. Tr. C Alford was advised to ensure that his charge arrives on time in future. EASTWOOD (Neeraj Rawal) was extremely difficult to load. AGNOSTIC (P S Chouhan) and GALEN (Nikhil Naidu) were difficult to load. THE PROTECTOR (S Zervan) was slow to begin.

LITTLE FINGER (Nikhil Naidu) was difficult to load. THINK BIG (Amyn Merchant) was slow to begin. AGGRESSION (App Hasib Alam) and SANTANA (P S Chouhan) made contact with each other soon after the start.