King Ke Wins Teena Katrak Memorial Independence Million in Feature Race Glory
The spotlight at Pune Racecourse shone brightest on the Teena Katrak Memorial Independence Million, the headline event of the third day’s meeting. Run over 2000 metres as a class IV handicap for Indian horses aged four years and above rated 20 to 46, the contest carried a prize purse of ₹10,00,000 and drew a quality field.
King Ke (J: Vivek G.), the day’s tote favourite, justified market confidence with a commanding display for trainer Pesi Shroff, stopping the clock at 2:05:602. Tracking the early pace with precision, King Ke surged forward in the straight, his stamina and rhythm proving too strong for the rest.
Owned by Mr Vijay B. Shirke, Mrs Vijay B. Shirke, Mr Jay V. Shirke, Mrs Daisy K. D. B. Mehta & Mr Dara K. Mehta rep. Darashaw Bloodstock Pvt Ltd & Mr D R Thacker rep. DT Racing & Breeders LLP, the winner was bred at Mehra Stud and Agricultural Farms Pvt. Ltd.
Close on her heels came Black Thunder (J: A. Sandesh, T: Rehanullah Khan) in 2:05:801, showing grit but unable to reel in the leader. Nostalgia (J: Antony Raj S., T: Imtiaz A. Sait) secured third in 2:06:517, running on steadily in the closing stages.
With the feature race settled and the crowd still buzzing, anticipation shifted towards the next contest, The Thanda Plate, promising a sprint battle.
For more Pune race updates and in-depth coverage, visit RaceBuzz Pune Races and explore the official Royal Western India Turf Club website.
