1963 — When romance of the Derby turned sour

Although Stan Smith managed to get a clear run on Rocklie to challenge Mount Everest, neither could shake off the attentions of the other and the pair passed the post locked together. No photo print could be exhibited and this sparked off a demonstration, with some resorting to stone throwing as Rocklie was declared the winner.

1964-65 — an uneven start Rose Royal and Sun Deep were equally fancied in the Indian Derby. There was a sensation at the start as the former shot out of the starting stallsbefore the others, and all expected a recall. The starter, however, allowed the race to go on, with Rose Royal in a good position.

Rose Royal made a good move midway, and although Sun Deep challenged, she held on by a neck. A protest was lodged the next day by the connections of Sun Deep, but this was overruled by the Stewards after due deliberation.

1969-70 — from rags to riches Who would expect a temperamental horse in the lowest class to overcome his aversion to the starting stalls and win the Indian Derby? The Maharaja Scindia of Gwalior’s homebred Thunderstorm was sold because of his apparent shortcomings in the mental arena.

His new trainer, veteran Dara Pandole, patiently schooled the grey to be more tractable at the gates and reeled off a sequence of handicap wins before a surprising failure. However, despite being at a long price in the Indian Derby, the striking gelding atoned by drawing away from the bunch in an exciting finish.

1972-73 — stealing the prize Labour troublearguably cost Bade Miya the Indian Derby. The race had to be postponed from its traditional spot in February to March 18th because of syces’ strike. The favourite’s usual Irish jockey George McGrath had returned home and was replaced by Indian ace Shammu Chavan.

Meanwhile, the late-developing Mansoor was making considerable progress, and the wily Pandu Khade, riding one of his characteristic tactical races, out-maneouvered Chavan by getting first run, and holding on to score by a neck.

1974-75 — a poor field When a maiden scores its first-ever win in the Indian Derby, and fails to shine subsequently, the conclusion in irresistible that the winner was a moderate sort. Such a dubious distinction fell to the moody Pyare Miya, who lost some ground at the start but came with raking strides to post a shock win.

Never before nor since has a non-winner succeeded in the Blue Riband of the Indian Turf!

1977-78 — trouncing the oppostion On a unseasonally warm afternoon, former Indian ace VasantShinde found Manitou moving so effortlessly in the race for the Indian Derby that he let him go on early. Like a racing machine, the Rashid Byramji-trained colt pulled further and further away, checking in by 10 long lengths, the largest margin of victory ever. Manitou also set a new track record for the Derby of 2:31.8 The win completed a hat-trick for runners in Mr Ranjit Bhat’s colours, surely an incredible feat for an owner with a small string!

1980-81 — near thing After winning the South India Derby, Track Lightning was sent to Bombay for the Indian Derby. In the straight he put in his customary burst of speed, and the race seemed over, when he suddenly veered out alarmingly. With Sandy Barclay doing his best to keep his flagging mount going, Track Lightning grimly held on from Christoffe, Happy Landing and Furioso with the margins being a head, a head, and a head! This was the closest finish ever.

1984-85 — the first sponsored Derby When it is considered that the 1948 winner, Jeanned’Arc earned Rs 80,190 a fabulous sum at the time, the Rs 4,64,048 taken home by Enterprising in 1984 seemed paltry. In stepped McDowells with a magnificent contribution of Rs 6,50,000 in 1985 although the RWITC Ltd withdrew its own contribution of Rs 2,05,000. This meant that the 1985 winner, Revelation, took home the trophy and the healthy sum of Rs 7,43,704! Sponsorship thus breathed new life into the race.

(Professional Management Group)