GIFT OF GRACE’S WIN IN THE INDIAN 1000 GUINEAS, A FIRST FOR MANY

When Gift Of Grace (Speaking Of Which-Appeasing) raced past the post by ¾length over her nearest rival to win the StyleCracker Indian 1000 Guineas, Gr.1 it was a first for many of her connections. Her trainer Parvati Byramji has been training in Bangalore for the past few years and her first attempt at an Indian Classic proved successful. Daughter-in-law of the legendry trainer Rashid Byramji was emotional as she led in her Classic winner. Jockey David Egan was experiencing his first taste of the famous Mahalaxmi racecourse this season, and having been tutored well by father John Egan who is no stranger to Mahalaxmi, now knows the highs that can be experienced on this track. His first runner in Western India was a winner but to now win his first Classic makes the experience of Mahalaxmi sweeter. For owner Mr. Mukul Soonawala the delight of winning his first Classic and that too an Indian Classic knows no bounds.

There were many fancied runners in the first Classic of the season with Juliette garnering maximum support on the strength of her win in the Maharaja of Morvi Trophy. Well Connected, Gift Of Grace and Cosmic Ray, the three Bangalore challengers that came with stern reputations got their fair share of support.

Except for Armity who took a slow start all the other runners jumped well and Gift Of Grace taking advantage of the slow pace and got into second position behind Hunt For Gold. They were followed by Missing You and Kariega, Thailand, Well Connected, Juliette and the rest of the runners with Cosmic Ray at the back of the field. As they started taking the turn for home, Hunt For Gold kept the lead from Gift Of Grace who was poised to strike, Missing You looked for the opening while Well Connected was pushed on the outside with Juliette going four wide and scrubbed while taking the turn. While all this was happening Cosmic Ray was constantly maneuvering her way between and around horses to get out of troubles way. Gift Of Grace took the lead from Hunt For Gold with Missing You, Well Connected and Juliette trying to find room. Cosmic Ray unleashed a terrific turn of foot to cover ground and all these runners to get to within the shadow of Gift Of Grace. Relentless and giving their all, David Egan punched the air as he managed to stay ahead of Cosmic Ray by ¾length at the wire. In third was Juliette, followed by Well Connected. Timing of the race was 1:37.13s which was slower than anticipated on a day when the sprint challenge saw a new track record being set.

There was absolute joy while Gift Of Grace was being led in by her owners Ms Ameeta Mehra, Mr D R Thacker & Mr Mukul A Sonawala. For Ameeta Mehra, Speaking Of Which that stands at Usha Stud Farm had just won two Classics, the Calcutta Oaks with Rosina and now Gift Of Grace so the joy was double edged. 

The Bangalore contingent went back a content lot and one can be rest assured that isn’t going to be the last you see of them.