Kavya pulls off 1000 Guineas victory for master MK Jadhav

Owner Prasant Nagar (left) and trainer MK Jadhav leading in Kavya (David Allan up) after winning the Indian 1000 Guineas at the Mahalaxmi race track on Sunday

On the momentous occasion of the 55th anniversary of his long and illustrious training career, trainer MK Jadhav received the greatest gift: Kavya, trained by him and ridden by David Allan, won the Indian 1000 Guineas at the Mahalaxmi race track on Sunday, beating the piping-hot on-money favourite Fynbos (P Trevor up) by half a length.

This was the third success for the trainer in the coveted Classic. He had earlier won it with Destined Queen (1974) and Thumbelina (1992).

"It's like a dream come true," a tearful Jadhav said after the race, virtually choking on the last words in a touching display of emotion. Owner Prasant Nagar, who happens to be the son of Jadhav's sister, reminded all that his grandfather Major KP Jadhav had started the family tradition of winning an Indian Classic when he led in the winner of the second Indian Derby, run in 1944, with Deepak. "This is just the extension--the same tradition is being kept alive here," he said, smilingly.

"I was introduced to the owners yesterday morning," said jockey David Allan, who has been retained by the trainer for this Mumbai season, "I was told we have a good horse, and I am happy that she (Kavya) proved it by winning the big race today."

David Allan turned out to be the star professional of Sunday afternoon at Mahalaxmi as he also rode Evaldo to victory for trainer Aman Hussain in the RJ Kolah Trophy, and finished a close second to the Pesi Shroff-trained winner Jade (Vivek G up) in the MN Nazir Trophy.