Unbeaten ‘Alcazaba’ King of the Turf
Owner of Alcabaza, Deepthika Jayakody receiving the Selvaratnam Challenge Trophy - Pix by Shanuka Aravinda
Despite heavy rain a spoiler midway, the Royal Turf Club (RTC) galloped off to an inspiring start to its April Holiday Horse Racing Season, with the Selvaratnam Challenge Trophy last Sunday at the Nuwara Eliya Racecourse. The start, though challenging, was inspiring, according to RTC President Panduka Keerthinanda, who said they were overwhelmed by the general feedback .
“Only 4 of the total 7 races were conducted but overall, it was a good show. We received positive feedback in general and from the Chief Guest (CG), Minister of Parliamentary Reforms & Mass Media, Gayantha Karunathilaka, in particular. This was the first time he came to one of our events as the CG, and was impressed with the upgraded facilities,” Keerthinanda stated.
With the start made last Sunday, the RTC hopes to make its next 2 events lined up for April, more eventful. However, on the track, it looks as if nothing could deter champion horse ‘Alcazaba’, who has had an impressive run of victories. Its latest addition was in the 1,600 metre Class 1 race for the RTC Selvaratnam Challenge Trophy, the main event last Sunday at the Nuwara Eliya Racecourse.
‘Alcazaba’, owned by Deepthika Jayakody, extended its winning tradition, after steadily progressing from the start in a slight drizzle and snatching victory in the final stretch from ‘Charlemagne’, owned by James Mathews. ‘Charlemagne’ led at the start and maintained its lead until the final 300 metres, when ‘Alcazaba’, ridden by Indian jockey Aneel Koltur, made its move from the outside and swept past ‘Charlemagne’, ridden by A. Vishwanath, in heavy downpour.
With the win, ‘Alcazaba’ and Jayakody received the massive cash award of Rs. 1 million, in addition to the Selvaratnam Challenge Trophy presented by CG Gayantha Karunathilaka and Guest of Honour Chavez Selvaratnam, grandson of renowned trainer Renga Selvaratnam, in whose name the trophy was awarded.
Runner-Up ‘Charlemagne’ received Rs 250,000 as prize money. In 3rd place was ‘Meheran’, ridden by Imran Khan and owned by Gamini and Chamari Jayaratne. Apart from the top 3, Jayakody-owned ‘Roswald’ and ‘Silver Streak’, Hasanga Jayaratne-owned ‘Atlantus’ and ‘Chul Bul Pandy’ owned by Anura Delgoda, made up the 7 runners of the main race.
Alcabaza reaching the winning post
Prior to the main race, the level of excitement was set in place in the 1,070 metre Class 4 race for the Daily Mirror Cup, which was claimed by ‘Crimson Quest’ ridden by S. Suganthan. ‘Crimson Quest’ was nowhere near until the last 200 metres, when it decided to change gears and cantered past leader ‘Torpedo’ ridden by A. Vishwanath and ‘Vigorous’ ridden by Ravi Kumar, who had to settle for 2nd and 3rd places, respectively.
M. Ishan steered ‘Queen of the Hill’ to outsmart ‘Airborne II’, ridden by S. Dayalan, in a two-way battle, to claim the 1,000 metre 3/4 bred race, for the RTC Nuwara Eliya Festive Cup. ‘Kingston Town’, ridden by Imran Khan, had a close call, before it overcame the rest to win the 1,600 metre Class 2 race for the Media Ministry Cup. Due to the heavy downpour, the Class 3 Blackpool Hotel Cup, Class 5 HNB Grameen Finance Cup and the 1/2 Bred RTC Pony Welfare Raffle Cup, were abandoned.
“The Equine Ambulance was on stand-by in the event of emergencies, with the assistance of Dr. Jayachandra Balaji, a renowned veterinarian from India.
“In addition to the ongoing projects to uplift and maintain the health and wellbeing of the horses, the RTC also came out with a plan to see to the welfare of the ponies, which was initiated last Sunday, and was a huge success. We were able to raise a large amount of funds for the project. In addition, doctors representing the Sri Lanka Anti Doping Agency were present at the location to collect urine samples from the horses, which is done as a practice at every RTC event now. We missed 3 races but, it was a great start for a good season,” Keerthinanda added.
The RTC’s April Horse Racing Season continues with the Magic Million Cup on April 16 and the RTC Governor’s Cup on April 29. The RTC hopes to draw more competitors and spectators as holidaymakers make their way to Nuwara Eliya, aka ‘Little England’.
RESULTS
- Â 3/4 Bred RTC Nuwara Eliya Festive Cup
1. Queen of the Hill (M. Ishan) – R.M.C.K. Rajapaksa
2. Airborne II (S. Dayalan) – Gamini and Chamari Jayaratne
3. Carbreeze (K. Sanjeewan) – Deepthika Jayakody
- Â Class 4 Daily Mirror Cup
1. Crimson Quest (S. Suganthan) – Gamini and Chamari Jayaratne
2. Torpedo (A. Vishwanath) – Anura Delgoda
3. Vigorous (Ravi Kumar) – Anura Delgoda
- Â Class 2 Media Ministry Trophy
1. Kingston Town (Imran Khan) – Hasanga Jayaratne
2. Celestial Fire (A. Vishwanath) – Anura Delgoda
3. Spearhead (Aneel) – Rienzie and Poorni Edward
- Â Class I Selvaratnam Challenge Cup
1. Alcazaba (Aneel Kolthur) – Deepthika Jayakody
2. Charlemagne (A. Vishwanath) – James Mathews
3. Meheran (Imran Khan) – Gamini and Chamari Jayaratne
- Â Races not held: Class 3 Blackpool Hotel Cup, Class 5 HNB Grameen Finance Cup, 1/2 Bred RTC Pony Welfare Raffle Cup.