Booker Jones wins Byculla Club Trophy in thriller

After running a gruelling 2,800-meter trip, it was only a couple of inches that separated the winner from loser. Booker Jones, brilliantly ridden by S Zervan, dug deep to peg back Rodeo (CS Jodha up) to win the Byculla Club Trophy, the feature event of yesterday’s seven-race card at Mahalaxmi.

Jockey Zervan astride the winner decided to set his own pace as soon as the starter flagged the four runners off, and soon worked up a 15-length lead despite setting up rather leisurely pace even as the other three, including the piping-hot, on-money favourite Severus ridden by Sandesh, remained unperturbed. Zervan then gave a breather to Booker Jones, allowing the rivals to close the gap, but going all out after negotiating the final turn. Severus came under pressure and could not produce his customary acceleration, but Rodeo with CS Jodha fought gamely to go past Booker Jones close home. But Rodeo’s joy was short-lived as Booker Jones and Zervan fought back valiantly to once again wrest the issue at the wire.