Fresh off his Bangalore Derby win, Ranquelino delivered an exceptional performance to secure victory in the prestigious Indian HPSL Indian Derby at the Mahalaxmi Race Course on Sunday.
Trainer Darius Byramji, celebrating his third Indian Derby win, praised his horse’s resilience: “I knew he would win. He was in the fifth and fourth positions halfway through, but true to his colors, he surged ahead to claim the top spot,” said Byramji.
At odds of 5-1, Ranquelino, ridden by A Sandesh, edged out Pyrite by a length to take the crown in the country’s highest-paid race. Sandesh, who made a late call to accelerate, commented, “It was a great race, and Ranquelino responded to my signals to win this mega event of Indian racing.”
The race began with 16 runners, and African Gold set the pace until the 2000-meter mark, when he faded. As the other contenders took charge, Ranquelino, lurking in fourth, made his decisive move in the final 50 meters.
“This win was long awaited, and I’m thrilled that it’s finally here,” said Sandesh, celebrating his first-ever Indian Derby victory.
Despite Santissimo being the race favourite, it was Ranquelino who stole the spotlight, leaving many racegoers surprised.
