The new millennium jinx of the favourite being snubbed did continue as Bourbon King finished fourth but Hotstepper’s triumph broke ‘old’ myths. This meant the Shah-Kinane combination was the oldest to make it to the top of the podium in this millennium.

A day before of the race when English jockey Kinane was asked uncomfortable questions about his age all he said was: “I am not going to run, it’s the horse who is going to do it.” And that’s what the reddish brown equine did as he managed to beat Sweeping Success in the last few strides.

Shah says that he couldn’t watch the final stages of the race as he was too tense. “I was too overwhelmed,” he says while swallowing the lump in his throat. Last time Shah found himself in the spotlight on Derby day was in 1973 when his horse Mansoor won. Kinane too has to jog his memory when asked about his previous big Derby day. Finally, he says with a smile, “1986 on Cordon Blue.”

Kinane in his career has seen several highs but Mahalaxmi memories are special for him. “This place has a special corner in my heart as I had honed my skills as young jockey here,” says the champion.

Shah’s association with the Mumbai race course too has been long. He was once a promising jockey here but rheumatic pain in the lower back saw him take a permanent dismount in 1965. Since then he has been a trainer but slowly he seemed to be drifting towards the end of career as an also-ran. With age catching up and the advent of young trainers, Shah had thought that his sell-by date had expired. “Such thoughts do come but Hotstepper has changed it all,” he says as he gives another pat to the exhausted winning horse.

The modest veterans don’t fail to give credit to each other for the triumph, even to the extent of undermining their own effort in the making of the champion horse. “I didn’t have to given any instruction to Kinane, since he is such an experienced jockey,” says Shah. Kinane in turn appreciates the effort of the trainer to keep the horse in perfect shape.

Contrary to Shah’s claims, Kinane says he got a vital tip from the trainer before the race. “Shah told me to give Hotstepper a clear way at the home stretch. Apparently he relishes that,” said the ace rider. Kinane did exactly that and there was no stopping Hotstepper.

Novices burn fingers

The jinx continued as the favourite Bourbon King finished fourth. Even the dark horses—Ruby Queen and Retribution—too didn’t get a podium finish. This meant first-timers and annual Derby day race goers had a disappointing day.

While the regular race goers where seen judiciously selecting the horses, for others it was either the Bourbon King or a rank outsider. Many like first-timer Salim Shaikh hoped that the jinx will finally break as they bet on Bourbon King. While those like Sameer Patel were keen to use their new found knowledge about Derby day history. “I backed Ruby Queen since I have heard that there is an outside chance that she will win,” he said.

But at the end of the day it was the smart punter—read regular race goers—who put his money on the second favourite Hotstepper who had a smile on his face.