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Global riding talent set to shake up Indian Derby

Global riding talent set to shake up Indian Derby

Shailendra Awasthi / TNN / Jan 29, 2025, 09:07 IST

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Top jockeys from Europe, including Oisin Murphy and Tom Marquand, join the Indian Derby at Mahalaxmi Racecourse. Competing with regional winners like African Gold and Duke Of Tuscany, they bring unpredictability and excitement. With significant prize money at stake, this race promises an intense and thrilling competition, making it challenging to predict the winner.

Global riding talent set to shake up Indian Derby

MUMBAI: The Indian Derby at the iconic Mahalaxmi Racecourse on Sunday promises to be an electrifying affair, with five internationally acclaimed jockeys from Europe adding an unpredictable twist to the proceedings.
Irish sensation Oisin Murphy, fresh off his victory in the Indian 2000 Guineas aboard Santissimo, returns to partner the same mount. Joining him in the star-studded line-up are British ace Tom Marquand, French maestro Christophe Lemaire, English veteran David Allan, and fellow Irishman Billy James.
While Murphy sticks with Santissimo, Marquand is expected to guide Odysseus, James is slated to ride African Gold, Lemaire takes the reins on Psychic Star, and Allan will pilot Golden Thunder. However, official declarations will confirm these assignments closer to race day.
The arrival of such seasoned saddle artists brings an extra layer of intrigue to the Indian Derby, elevating the stakes and making predictions exceedingly difficult. Each rider's unique style and judgment of pace could profoundly influence the outcome.

"These jockeys will make it even more unpredictable. Their approach to riding, based on their feel for the race, can completely change the dynamics. Picking a winner this time will be a daunting task," observed veteran trainer Nirad Karanjawala.
Adding to the drama is the presence of nearly all regional Derby winners, ensuring a fiercely competitive field. Among the final entries are African Gold, Duke Of Tuscany, Psychic Star, Ranquelino, and Regina Memorabilis. Each contender has paid a whopping Rs 15 lakh as the entry fee, taking the total prize purse to an impressive Rs 2.82 crore!
With top-class riders and a glittering field of equine talent, the Indian Derby promises an unforgettable day of racing at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse.

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