The Pune Meeting 2025 kicked off in thrilling fashion on Sunday, 14th September, with Race 1 — The Excellent Sorrento Plate, a Class V contest for Indian horses aged five years and over, rated 1 to 26, run over 1200 meters at 1:00 PM. Red Dust (7Y CH M), ridden by Aditya Waydande and trained by Faisal A. Abbas, delivered a commanding performance for owner Mr Thanniru Srinivas, crossing the finish line in 1:10:355 to claim a well-deserved win.
From the start, Red Dust positioned prominently, showing keen early speed while settling into a strong rhythm through the backstretch. As the field rounded into the home straight, Waydande expertly urged Red Dust forward, drawing clear in the final 200 meters to secure a decisive victory with a display of both power and timing.
Runner-up honors went to Etoile (5Y B M), under Antony Raj S. for trainer Bezan Chenoy, finishing just a length behind in 1:10:465. Ariyana Star (5Y DKB M), with A. Sandesh aboard and trained by Aman Altaf Hussain, closed steadily to take third in 1:10:794, rounding out an exciting opening contest.
With The Excellent Sorrento Plate concluded, all eyes now turn to Race 2 — The Excellent Trophy at 1:40 PM, promising another test of speed and strategy at the Royal Western India Turf Club.
For full Pune race coverage, stay tuned to RaceBuzz.
