Calcutta: The grand finale of the season lit up the Royal Calcutta Turf Club on Wednesday as the prestigious Calcutta St Leger over a gruelling 2,800 metres delivered drama of the highest order.
Trainer Rajesh Narredu’s Gold Empire (Suraj Narredu-up) produced a performance packed with courage and class under a tactically brilliant ride from Suraj Narredu. In a slowly run race, Arrived and S. Antony Raj were forced to take the initiative. It was a daring move in a true test of stamina. Gold Empire, however, stalked the leader like a shadow, travelling ominously well throughout.
As they straightened for home. Suraj pushed the button. Gold Empire lengthened stride by stride, drew level with Arrived and, in a relentless drive to the line, wore him down in the final few metres. Just when it seemed over, Superstar (Trevor Patel) unleashed a storming late run from the rear. But the winning post arrived in time for Gold Empire, who held on grimly to claim the final Classic in thrilling fashion.
The supporting feature, the 1,400m Indian Air Force Cup, added to the excitement. Shyam Habbu-trained top-weight Abhicandra, was ridden confidently by S. Antony Raj. He swooped from mid-division to crush favourite Eleanora’s start-to-finish bid. Fable (Trevor Patel) flashed home rather late to finish second.
Earlier, in the 1,400m Eastern Air Command Cup, Vijay Singh’s Laguna Seca (Hindu Singh) utilised her weight advantage to score at nourishing odds. Favourite Cigar Galaxy lives to fight another day.
Trainer Sabeel Shariff’s Lahina (Vishal Bunde) set the tone for the afternoon, justifying strong support. Make a note of Royal King, who found his footing rather late to finish an impressive third.
In the 1,400m Rasalas Handicap, a no-whip race, trainer B. Mahesh’s consistent Marcolini (Imran Chisty) just managed to upstage favourite Surprise Fantasy (Suraj Narredu) after a brief duel in the final furlong.
Neil Darashah quickly compensated his followers when his charge Blinky Bill (N. Darshan) scored a gallant pillar-to-post victory in the 1,200m Mossy Bear Handicap, holding off the challenges of Cache (Gaurav Singh) and All Time Legend (Vishal Bunde).
The curtain fell with Suraj Narredu and Neil Darashah completing a sparkling brace when Sea Eagle nosed out a gallant Impressive Annie (R. S. Bhati) in a thrilling finish.