Hotstepper with M J Kinane up beats Sweeping Success with B Prakash up The Indian Derby 2008 HD

Peninsula missed the jump as the others bolted out scurrying for position amidst the thunderous cheers of the crowd renting the air. Nitrous led the brigade early on with Sweeping Success in close attendance; Hotstepper ran well up with the front bunch along with Regal Connection, Retribution and Mountain Bear. Bourbon King, the hot favourite found himself in the rear bunch in the company of Ruby Queen and Vanquish and Czar Alexander with Nobel Prince in the rear. It was a closely huddled bunch that headed homeward and a vigorously active Prakash moved forward to charge for home. Hotstepper improved steadily and was in striking position. Bourbon King was hopelessly caught in a traffic jam and raised no hope. Hotstepper, meanwhile, caught up with Sweeping Success around 300 metres from home, and a duel was on. Prakash and Kinane went all out, stride for stride, and the Irishman got that little extra from Hotstepper who fought gallantly from an equally-up-to-the-task Sweeping Success to clinch the McDowell Indian Derby (Gr-1), the richest and most prestigious race in the country in a photo-finish. While Kinane hogged all the glory, it must be mentioned that jockey B. Prakash too rode a great race. It was a battle royal and only one of the two could win. Nobel Prince (Hayes) came with a late brilliance to end an eye-catching third and Bourbon King finished on to figure in the frame. The last named certainly did not have the luck of the race and should not be written off. Bourbon King was finishing on towards the end. He will look to turn the tables in the Invitation Cup at Hyderabad in early March. It was a commendable performance from Noble Prince considering the fact that he had no preparatory run, save the mock races in Bangalore. Retribution also needs a mention and did well to be one off the final frame alongside Regal Connection. “I had connected directly with the Almighty and requested him for such an outcome,” joked Mr. Rattonsey the owner and breeder of Hotstepper, “and He had given me His assurance”. Saeed (trainer) was also very confident. Flying in Kinane turned out to be fruitful. He was brilliant.” Trainer SS Shah was overwhelmed with emotion and tears of joy rolled freely form his eyes as he received the Trophy. “This is indeed a great moment and full marks to Kinane. He rode a superbly judged race and nursed the colt along saving enough to last out the trip. I was always optimistic about Hotstepper and I am overjoyed that he proved me right.” Mick Kinane the man on the hot seat did everything right. He settled the colt well with the pace, improved gradually and was in box seat when the final surge was due. “When the final battle began, I was travelling well and Hotstepper was keen and responding well. I was confident he would stretch himself and he did just that in the last few strides. Hotstepper is a brave horse and Mr. Shah has looked after him well. He was fighting fit and perfectly tuned,” quipped the champion Jockey who ha