The opening contest of the evening at the Mumbai Meeting 2025/26 saw AZURE make a striking statement in Race 1, The Dopahar Trophy, a Class III handicap for Indian horses over 1000 metres, run on Sunday, 22 March 2026 at 05:00 PM. In what will be recorded as a key Mumbai race result 22 March, AZURE (J: Akshay Kumar) delivered a sharp and professional performance to secure top honours for trainer Imtiaz A. Sait. Representing the ownership of Mr & Mrs Shapoor P Mistry rep Manjri Horse Breeders’ Farm Pvt Ltd, Mr D R Thacker rep DT Racing & Breeders LLP & Mr Ashok Ranpise, the winner showed pace and control from the outset.
Breaking smartly from the gates, AZURE quickly established a forward position, dictating terms in a race where early speed proved decisive. Akshay Kumar judged the tempo to perfection, allowing the filly to stride freely before asking for a final effort in the closing stages. Responding willingly, AZURE found another gear inside the last furlong, pulling clear to seal the race with authority and leaving the chasing pack struggling to match the acceleration.
ENFORCER (J: Yash Narredu, T: M. Narredu) finished second after keeping up the pursuit throughout, while CHELSEA (J: Dashrath Singh, T: P. S. Chouhan) stayed on to claim third. The trio were the standout performers in a tightly contested sprint, though the winner’s finishing burst proved the defining factor.
With the curtain-raiser concluded, attention now turns to the upcoming The Homi Mehta Trophy at 05:30 PM, where the competition is expected to intensify further on this special race day card.