Jaandaar wins Pune Derby for Pesi Shroff’s 101st Classic success

Jaandaar, ridden by Vivek G, won the Pune Derby on October 11, giving trainer Pesi Shroff his 101st Classic victory.

In the Grade 1 race over 2,000 metres, Jaandaar beat Avener by three-quarters of a length. Beast Mode finished third and Iron Mirage fourth. The winning time was 2 minutes 2.49 seconds.

Vivek held the colt in fourth place before entering the home straight. Jaandaar challenged Avener over the final 200 metres and pulled ahead. The winner is owned by Vijay B. Shirke and his wife, and Jay V. Shirke, representing Horse Haven Breeding and Racing.

At the meeting, the Royal Western India Turf Club also honoured Shroff for reaching 100 Classic victories the previous month. Jockey P. Trevor was recognised for 2,000 career winners, a milestone he reached on May 9 in Bengaluru.

Cyrus Poonawalla was congratulated on the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities’ Outstanding Contribution Award. He received it on October 5 at the federation’s 60th international conference in Paris.