The 84th running of the Villoo Poonawalla Indian Derby (Grade 1), held at Mahalaxmi on 1st February 2026, will be remembered as the day Fynbos rose above an outstanding generation and confirmed her place among the elite of Indian turf history. Fynbos was sent to the post by P.Shroff in pink of condition and was shown superb race temperament by visiting jockey Tom Marquand. The winner is owned by Mr K N Dhunjibhoy, Mr Z K Dhunjibhoy & Ms Anosha Meyers rep. Five Stars Shipping Co Pvt Ltd, Mr Vispi R. Patel & Ms Anita J. Captain
In a Derby billed as open, competitive and absorbing, featuring the much-discussed quartet of Fynbos, Baychimo, Zacharias and Sovereign King, it was the lone filly who settled the argument emphatically with a performance of rare authority over the classic 2400 metres.
THE RACE UNFOLDS
From the moment the gates flew, the tempo was genuine without being excessive. The early fractions ensured the race was truly run, playing perfectly into the hands of a filly who had already proven her stamina, composure and finishing strength in top company.
Fynbos, ridden with supreme confidence, was never hurried. She travelled sweetly through in third positions the middle stages, conserving energy while her principal rivals jockeyed for position. Turning for home, when the pressure mounted and pretenders were expected to emerge, it was immediately evident that the filly had plenty in reserve.
Once asked to quicken, Fynbos produced a decisive turn of foot. Within a matter of strides, she put daylight between herself and a high-class field, asserting dominance in a manner befitting a champion. The final furlong was a procession as she surged clear, winning with authority and leaving no room for debate.
A PERFORMANCE OF SUBSTANCE
What made the victory truly special was not merely the winning margin, but the ease, balance and confidence with which it was achieved. This was not a Derby won by circumstance or tactical fortune—this was a Derby taken by force of class.
Behind her, Sovereign King ran an honest race to finish second, while others of proven merit failed to bridge the gap when it mattered most. Horses that had been spoken of in glowing terms through the season simply could not match the winner’s finishing power.
FROM OAKS TO DERBY IMMORTALITY
Already crowned Indian Oaks heroine, Fynbos completed a rare and coveted Oaks–Derby double, underlining her versatility, constitution and mental strength. She stayed the mile and a half resolutely, relaxed throughout, and accelerated when it counted—hallmarks of a truly exceptional racehorse.
Her Derby triumph places her in a select group of fillies who have dared to take on and defeat the best colts of their generation on the grandest stage of Indian racing.
CONCLUSION
The 2026 Indian Derby promised drama and delivered excellence. In a field rich with depth and quality, Fynbos stood tallest.
ORIGINAL VEL SPORTING NEWS congratulates the winning connections on this mega success and wishes then further laurels in their future endeavours.
