Chelsea Claims Whip-less Animal Welfare Board of India Trophy in Style at Pune
In a unique addition to Sunday’s Pune card, the Animal Welfare Board Of India Trophy, a whip-less Class IV handicap over 1400 metres, showcased balance and finesse, and it was Chelsea who delivered a confident win without needing the crop.
R. Ajinkya, riding with precision and patience, steered Chelsea to victory for trainer P. S. Chouhan, stopping the clock in 1:27:695. The filly, owned by Mr. Jatin L. Trivedi and Mr. Nitin H. Jain, representing J. N. Racing & Breeders LLP, responded gamely when asked, holding her advantage through the final metres.
The race emphasized gentle handling, and the riders responded with skill and maturity, drawing applause from racing patrons who welcomed the whip-less format.
Exciting and Vincero Complete the Frame
The consistent Exciting, under Vivek G. for master conditioner Pesi Shroff, gave a solid account of herself to finish second in 1:28:214, keeping close tabs on the leader throughout.
Vincero, trained by Shazaan Shah and ridden by Aditya Waydande, finished third in 1:28:274, staying on resolutely in the final stages and maintaining a commendable rhythm under hands-and-heels riding.
With Chelsea’s victory highlighting a progressive shift toward more humane racing initiatives, the day now moves forward to the final race, The Unicorn Plate, which is set to wrap up the card with flair.
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