Finally, he was there on the podium. In The Spotlight was on the spot and its trainer from Bangalore S Padmanabhan’s name was engraved on the McDowell Premier Indian Derby trophy on Sunday.The filly, which was lurking in the 10th position till the 1,200 metres mark, hit the front on the home stretch and won the richest Derby of the country with much to spare.
“It was a prefect race and this win has been eluding me for quite a while. In The Spotlight has enabled me win my maiden Indian Derby,” said the elated trainer, who is fondly called ‘Paddy’ in the racing fraternity.
“I have always been playing second fiddle in this race and, today, jockey Martin Dwyer has made me a proud man,” Padmanabhan said.
Winner of the Deccan Derby last year and the Eveready Calcutta Derby Stakes made it with the third Grade One race of her career.
“She was fantastic,” said jockey Martin Dwyer after the race. What makes her special is the fact that despite being stuck in the traffic she made her way to get out and take the lead,” said Dwyer, who now has perfect four wins on the trot with three Derbys to cap it off. It was an even start as the 13 contenders got off the gates in front of the huge crowd, which had turned up for the race. A huge roar went up as the horses set off.
It was Star Pronto, who was the initial pace setter, followed by Field Marshal and Picasso. Pronto Star maintained the lead as they crossed the 1,200 metres mark.
Into the bend and the home stretch, Pronto Star retired and made way for Smashing and In The Spotlight to take charge of the race.
And with 200 metres to go for the winning post, it was all over for the rest as In The Spotlight was home winning by seven lengths, which was one of the longest winning margins in the most prestigious race of the country.
