On the third day of the Mumbai Meeting 2025/26, the opening contest — Race 1, The Ibrahim A. Rahimtoola Trophy, run at 2:30 PM over 1200 metres for Class IV Indian horses aged five years and above — delivered a sharp and stylish start to the afternoon. In what shaped into a cleanly run dash, Ariyana Star produced a polished performance to claim top honours for trainer Aman Altaf Hussain, with P. Trevor guiding her home in 1:11:409.
Racing for owners Mr Dinsha P. Shroff, Mr Munchi P. Shroff, Mrs Aban N. Chothia, Mr Ashok Ranpise & Mr Anil Saraf, the mare’s authoritative display set a confident tone for the card. In a day already capturing attention, it neatly added to the ongoing coverage of the Mumbai race result 7 December, enhancing the narrative of the early-season form.
From the jump, Ariyana Star travelled like the class act of the field. Trevor kept her poised just off the pace, stalking the leaders with patience before angling out at the turn. Once shown daylight, she responded instantly, lengthening with intent and maintaining a fluent rhythm through the final 200 metres. The acceleration was measured yet decisive, ensuring that the field never came close enough to threaten her late.
Believe attempted to mount a challenge under K. Pranil for trainer S. Waheed, but despite keeping the winner in view, had to settle for second in 1:11:599. Close behind came Red Merlot, ridden by Ramswarup and trained by Narendra Lagad, clocking 1:11:761 after staying on steadily to secure the final placing.
With the opener wrapped up in style, attention now shifts to the Jayant M. Shah & Champak M. Shah Gold Trophy, slated for 3:00 PM, promising another tightly fought contest at Mahalaxmi.
Stay tuned to RaceBuzz for continuing coverage throughout the Mumbai Meeting.
