The Madras Race Club witnessed an electrifying afternoon on Monday, 22 September 2025, with six races that showcased the finest in Indian Thoroughbred racing. From fast-paced sprints to tactical mile-long contests, the day offered excitement for racing enthusiasts, culminating in a display of speed, strategy, and top-class training.
The Track Lightning Handicap: A Vivid Start
Kicking off the card at 2:15 pm, the Class V Track Lightning Handicap over 1,200 meters set the tone for the afternoon. Aviothic, under Darshan N’s masterful riding and trained by J Sebastian, claimed victory in a crisp 1:17.883. Owned by Mrs. Jiby Joji, Aviothic held off Royal Exemplar, ridden by Sah Farid Ansari and trained by R Foley, who finished just behind at 1:18.247. Forest Lake, with Koshi Kumar aboard and M M Uthaiah training, completed the podium in 1:18.519, delivering a thrilling sprint finale.
The Everynsky Handicap: Narrow Margins and Sharp Turns
The Class IV Everynsky Handicap followed at 2:45 pm, also over 1,200 meters, where Crown Angel emerged as the winner. Jockey Shah Alam and trainer B Suresh guided the horse to a 1:18.248 finish. Crown Angel is owned by Dr. M A M Ramaswamy Chettiar of Chettinad Charitable Trust. Aquila, ridden by R Manish and trained by K S Mandanna, narrowly missed out at 1:18.269, while Royal Tapestry, with Darshan N aboard and N Rupa training, came in third at 1:18.458. The race was a showcase of split-second decision-making and finishing speed.
The Manitou Handicap: A Dominant Performance
At 3:20 pm, the Manitou Handicap, a Class IV 1,200-meter sprint, produced a standout winner in Enchanting. Ridden by A Ashhad Asbar and trained by Deepesh Narredu, Enchanting crossed the line in 1:17.452. Ownership was shared between M/S Stride Livestock Pvt Ltd, M/S DT Racing & Breeders LLP, Mr. Ashok Ranpise, and Mr. Rajeev Vasudeo Goenka. Basilus, with MS Deora and trainer J Sebastian, finished strongly in second place at 1:17.994, while Hero Worship, ridden by Inayat and trained by J Sebastian, rounded out the top three in 1:18.646. The race highlighted tactical pacing and late acceleration.
The Equinox Cup: Class III Brilliance
The 3:55 pm Class III Equinox Cup, also over 1,200 meters, saw Royal Baron dominate the field with a finishing time of 1:15.783. Jockey Ram Nandan Manjhi and trainer B Suresh ensured a strong performance for the owner, Dr. M A M Ramaswamy Chettiar of Chettinad Charitable Trust. Cynosure, with Sah Farid Ansari riding for trainer R Ramanathan, finished second at 1:15.866, while Groovin, under Shyam Kumar(CHE) and trained by Suraj Shaw, captured third place at 1:16.067. The race demonstrated a mix of raw speed and strategic positioning around the bends.
The Squanderer Handicap: Mile-Long Mastery
Stretching to 1,600 meters at 4:30 pm, the Class II Squanderer Handicap tested stamina and timing. Golden Warrior, ridden by A S Peter and trained by Deepesh Narredu, surged to victory in 1:42.092. Owned by Mr. K Kaliyaperumal, Mr. Deepesh Narredu, and Ms. Ameeta Mehra, the horse’s disciplined pacing proved decisive. Loch Lomond, with Sah Farid Ansari and trainer R Ramanathan, finished second in 1:42.587, while King’s Battalion, guided by A Ashhad Asbar and H Zulquarnain training, came third in 1:43.776. This contest underlined the importance of endurance and well-timed moves over the mile.
The Own Opinion Handicap: A Competitive Close
Closing the card at 5:05 pm, the Class IV Own Opinion Handicap over 1,200 meters delivered a photo-finish thriller. Gold Fame, under Shah Alam and trained by R Ramanathan, claimed first place in 1:16.012 for M/S GMMSR Advisory Services LLP, represented by Dr. M A M R Muthiah Ramaswamy. Aurora Borealis, ridden by Sah Farid Ansari and trained by R Foley, trailed closely at 1:16.037, while Santamarina Star, with A S Peter and R Ramanathan, completed third in 1:16.751. The race emphasized precision in timing and tactical positioning in a tight field.
As the sun set over Chennai Racecourse, the day’s six-race card left fans buzzing with excitement. From the explosive sprint of Aviothic in the opening contest to the nail-biting finish of Gold Fame in the finale, the races highlighted the perfect blend of speed, strategy, and stamina that defines Indian horse racing. With top trainers and jockeys showcasing their expertise, 22 September 2025 will be remembered as a day of thrilling performances and memorable victories in Chennai.
Read the full Madras racing coverage and latest results on RaceBuzz.
