Calcutta: After two weeks of intense competition and suspense at RCTC, Aashay Doctor emerged as the Champion trainer on the concluding day of the winter season here on Friday.
Aashay narrowly edging past Rajesh Narredu and Rutherford Alford. The decisive moment came in the 1,400m Alaskan Handicap, a No Whips race, where his four-year-old gelding Go For The Moon delivered a determined finish under a composed ride from Vivek, carrying top weight to secure the all-important win.
Meanwhile, Suraj Narredu stamped his authority on the jockeys’ championship with a brilliant treble on Friday, following a double on Thursday. He began his spree with Winsangel in the Snow Forest Handicap for trainer B. Mahesh, making all the running, though both the winner and favourite Swift Lady were found bleeding post-race.
Suraj then produced a perfectly timed late burst aboard Clever Hans, trained by Vikash Jaiswal, to upset hot favourite Gimmler. He capped his memorable day with a commanding win aboard La Dominate in the Police Cup, sealing the title and giving trainer Mahesh a double as well.
The Toroloco Cup witnessed Imran Chisty and Rutherford Alford combine for a dominant victory with even-money favourite King Roger, who won by eight lengths.
Neil Darashah and retained rider J. H. Arul also had a stellar day, registering a double. Honey Cake led all the way in the Royal Mantle Handicap, while The Presence came from mid-pack to edge out Don’tstopthemusic in the Angeles Handicap.
It was a tough outing for Patrick Quinn and P Trevor, with all their fancied runners—The General, Roman Spirit, and Don’tstopthemusic—falling short.
The season closed with Casteel (Rajesh Narredu) crowned Champion horse, while Liban (Anil Kumar) was declared horse of the season.