Under the golden afternoon sun at Mumbai’s historic Mahalaxmi Race Course, the 2025 Indian Derby unfolded in breathtaking fashion, delivering a spectacle worthy of its reputation as the pinnacle of Indian horse racing. At the heart of the drama was RANQUELINO, a colt who has now stamped his name in history with this triumph.
Having dominated the Bangalore Derby just days ago, he returned to the biggest stage and once again proved his class, his power, and his unyielding will to win. Ridden by the ever-reliable A Sandesh and trained to perfection by the highly respected Darius Byramji, RANQUELINO produced a performance of sheer brilliance, covering the demanding 2400 meters in 2:28.70. Owned by group comprising of Mr Pallon S Mistry (rep. Manjri Horse Breed’s Farm Pvt Ltd) Mr D R Thacker (rep. DT Racing & Breeding LLP) Mr Mukul A Sonawala, Mr Kishore M Dingra, Mr Ashok Ranpise & Mr S R Sanas , his final surge in the home stretch was the mark of a champion, leaving a formidable field trailing in his wake.
It was no easy task, as the competition was fierce. Sixteen of India’s finest thoroughbreds, piloted by the country’s best jockeys alongside five top international riders, made for a race worthy of its storied legacy. PYRITE, guided by Mukesh Kumar and trained by S Waheed, gave a gallant chase, falling just short with a time of 2:28.87. POSITANO, under Akshay Kumar and trained by SS Attaollahi, secured a close third at 2:28.88, while THALASSA and DUKE OF TUSCANY completed the top five in a thrilling contest that was decided by fractions of a second.
With a prize of ₹1,69,50,000 awaiting the victor, the stakes could not have been higher, and RANQUELINO delivered in style. His acceleration in the final furlong was a sight to behold, a testament to his stamina and the masterful training that shaped him into a champion. The Mahalaxmi crowd erupted in applause as Sandesh and his remarkable partner crossed the finish line, cementing their place in Indian Derby folklore.
Beyond the race itself, the atmosphere was electric, the grandstands were packed with an enthusiastic crowd, their cheers reverberating through the air, undeterred by the high-profile India-England T20 clash happening in the city. For racing aficionados, there was no contest, this was the event they had been waiting for, and it did not disappoint.
Also as the sun set on a memorable day at Mahalaxmi, one thing was certain RANQUELINO had risen above all, etching his name among the greats of the sport. This was a triumph that will be spoken of for years to come, a performance that defined excellence. The 2025 Indian Derby belonged to him, and he wore the crown with undeniable majesty.
Meanwhile The Indian Derby has once again proved that is not just a sporting event, it is an occasion, a grand celebration of speed, elegance, and equestrian excellence. The glamour of the day, the fashion on display, and the presence of racing enthusiasts from all corners of the country added to the spectacle.
