The curtain came down on the Mysore Monsoon Meeting 2025 in truly majestic fashion, with the season’s blue riband event — The Mysore Derby (Grade 1) — being annexed in emphatic style by the James Mckeown-trained MIRACLE STAR, brilliantly piloted by ace jockey Suraj Narredu.
The winner, representing Radiant Bloodstock Pvt. Ltd., is owned by Mrs. Sharmila Padmanabhan and the estate of the late Mr. S. Padmanabhan, the legendary trainer whose legacy continues to inspire the Indian turf.
Racing in a strikingly composed manner, Miracle Star settled beautifully in fourth through the early part of the mile-and-a-half classic, as Matiise set the pace with Unforgettable Star keeping close company. Entering the home stretch, Suraj switched gears, and the colt responded with a dazzling turn of foot, sweeping past the front-runners to storm clear in the final furlong. The victory margin was one of authority, underlining the class and superiority of this rising star.
The well-fancied Red Bishop, who raced at the wrong end of the field, made steady progress in the straight to finish second, a performance which was too bad to be true, while Mahler stayed on gamely to secure the third spot. Unforgettable Star, after chasing the early leader Matisse, faded in the closing stages to complete the frame.
The victory was as much a triumph of professional preparation as it was of emotional significance, with Miracle Star carrying forward the celebrated Padmanabhan legacy in fitting style.
