Anthony Raj produced a ride of the highest order to steer Arrived, the attractively built chestnut colt meticulously prepared by Adhiraj Singh Jodha, to a narrow yet courageous victory in the season’s showpiece event, The Calcutta Derby Stakes (Grade 1).
Arrived is proudly owned by Ms. Ameeta Mehra; M/s. Gainsville Stud & Agricultural Farm Pvt. Ltd.; M/s. Bachhawat Farms Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Haider Soomar; Mr. Kishore Rungta; M/s. So Blest Trading Co. Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Mukul A. Sonawala; Mr. Saleem Fazelbhoy; M/s. Phantom Racing; and Mr. Ajay K. Arora.
Racing prominently throughout, Arrived tracked the leader Eleanora in second position before Anthony Raj made his decisive move on entering the home straight. Briefly headed by the determined Superstar, Arrived showed admirable resolve, regathered momentum, and fought back gamely to claim the season’s coveted blue-riband honours.
Superstar, gallant in defeat, battled relentlessly all the way down the straight and was beaten only in the final strides, reaffirming his Classic credentials. Gold Empire, coming with a late flourish, finished an eye-catching third, while the Classic hat-trick seeking Heart found the company too demanding on the day and settled for fourth.
ORIGINAL VEL SPORTING NEWS congratulates the winning connections on this memorable Classic success and wishes them continued excellence in their future racing endeavours.
