Results – Mumbai

HOT AS ICE (T.S.Jodha) took a fly jump. At the start, MERCK (Amyn Merchant) jumped out awkwardly. Trainer H.J.Antia has been fined Rs.1,000/- for removing the bandages on his charge ALWAYS SMILE without prior permission. Soon on entering the straight, ALLEGIANCE (J.Chinoy) lugged in and went on to ALWAYS SMILE (Ishwar Pardeshi). Shortly afterwards, ALWAYS SMILE leaned on to ALLEGIANCE who shifted out and at the same time VICTORIOUS CAUSE (Neeraj Rawal) shifted inwards, due to which ALLEGIANCE was hampered and steadied. Near 300 metres, ALEUTIAN ZONE (App.Nikhil Bhujbal) shifted outwards and carried ALWAYS SMILE (Ishwar Pardeshi) outwards, who went across ALLEGIANCE (J.Chinoy). ALLEGIANCE (J.Chinoy) lugged-in in the straight. Trainer Narendra Lagad has been asked to take remedial measures before next accepting to race the gelding. Trainer H.J.Antia and Jockey Ishwar Pardeshi were questioned regarding the poor performance of ALWAYS SMILE. The Trainer stated that the Instructions were to take a good jump and try to be in the first three and it would be fine if the gelding races from the front. He added that the gelding likes to be on the bit in the early part of the race, but this race became fast, and the Jockey had to brush up the gelding to keep up with the pace which he did not like and he had nothing left at the finish. He further added that since this race was over 1000 metres, the pace was fast, whereas the earlier race was over 1200 metres. The explanation was noted. After the race, MERCK, ALWAYS SMILE, ZOE, ALLEGIANCE and ALEUTIAN ZONE were found to be sound. ALWAYS SMILE had an injury at the right nostril.