Highlights from July 28 Hyderabad Races
Under overcast skies and the lush backdrop of the monsoon-fed track, the Hyderabad Race Club (HRC) delivered a compelling afternoon of sport on Monday, July 28. The third day of the Hyderabad Monsoon Meeting 2025 featured a competitive nine-race card where form players largely held their ground, yet the depth of the fields ensured close finishes and engaging fare for turf enthusiasts. From emerging maiden performers to seasoned contenders, the day’s events showcased the layered drama and discipline that defines the Hyderabad races.
The opener saw Divine Secret set the tone with an assertive win in The Kothagudem Plate, a Class IV sprint over 1200 metres. Ridden by B. R. Kumar for trainer R. H. Sequeira, the gelding clocked a sharp 1:13.357. With State Man and Tootsie Darling pressing behind, Divine Secret’s fluency in stride hinted at bigger tests ahead.
In the second race, The P. M. Bokdawalla Memorial Cup (Div II), Miss Smiley Angel responded gamely under pressure to notch her maiden win. Mukesh Kumar guided her home in 1:26.069, narrowly holding off Diablo and Clara in a spirited contest.
Berrettini proved too sharp in The Hyderabad Plate, a six-furlong dash where P. Sai Kumar judged the pace impeccably. The colt, trained by A. Imran Khan, held sway over Reigning Beauty and Proud Mary to register a decisive win in 1:14.181. The result affirmed Berrettini’s progress and underlined the stable’s growing momentum this season.
Division II of the Anab-E-Shahi Plate saw Star of Night dominate the 1400-metre trip, giving trainer R. H. Sequeira his second win of the afternoon. Ajay Kumar steered the filly confidently, guiding her to a comfortable finish in 1:25.918 over High Command and Siddharth.
Classy Dame then produced one of the afternoon’s more dogged runs in The Bakhtawar Plate (Div II). The mare, ridden by Abhay Singh and trained by K. Satheesh, posted a time of 1:15.054. Though closely followed by Fashion Icon and Federer, her tenacity in the final furlong made the difference.
The quality of racing elevated as Division I of the P. M. Bokdawalla Memorial Cup brought out Cherie Chevalier. Under the calm hands of Suraj Narredu, the filly raced true to form for trainer K. S. V. Prasad Raju, winning in 1:25.708. Newfound Glory ensured a 1-2 finish for the yard, with Krystallos running third.
Then came the feature event — Division I of the Anab-E-Shahi Plate. Here, Ashoka stole the spotlight. Trained by D. Netto and ridden by Mukesh Kumar, the colt timed his challenge to perfection, finishing in 1:26.055. Lashka, who loomed large in the straight under P. Trevor, had to settle for second while N R I Superpower rounded off the placings. Ashoka’s sharp acceleration in the final 200 metres thrilled the stands and reaffirmed his potential in higher-class company.
The Falaknuma Cup, contested over a mile, tested both fitness and tactical finesse. Racing Ruler emerged supreme under Suraj Narredu, who recorded his second win of the day. The K. S. V. Prasad Raju trainee stopped the clock at 1:40.909 and maintained a safe margin from Peppi and Perfect Light. With his relaxed cruising speed and strong finish, Racing Ruler remains a top prospect for longer-distance handicaps this season.
Sangreal then closed the card in style in Division I of the Bakhtawar Plate. The filly, guided again by Suraj Narredu, led from the front and never looked back. Trainer Prasad Raju completed a treble, sealing a dominant day for the yard. Eminency and Blue Pantheress trailed behind in second and third, respectively.
What’s Next for the Hyderabad Races
Across the board, the Hyderabad races on July 28 reflected a balanced mix of expected form and competitive variance — a hallmark of well-handicapped racing. The emergence of young talent, the resurgence of form horses, and the tactical poise from some of India’s leading riders provided an enriching afternoon for fans and punters alike.
As the Hyderabad Monsoon Meeting progresses, attention now turns to future contests featuring rising three-year-olds, stayers, and the next big Cup races on the horizon. For full racecards, upcoming fixtures, and past results, head to RaceBuzz — your hub for all Indian racing coverage.
For official updates, entry lists, and institutional announcements, visit the Hyderabad Race Club website.
