Jacqueline ridden by Richard Hughes wins The Indian Derby 2010

Richard Hughes proved that it is possible to stop 25,000 hearts from beating normally, all at the same juncture. He did it for about 10 seconds as he sent Jacqueline shooting through a narrow gap between Becket and the inner rails. Jacqueline was the overwhelming favourite and her supporters watched with gaping mouths that would have been broader than the gap Jacqueline was asked to take! Jacqueline was right up to the task. The filly showed that she is blessed with a fantastic temperament to match her galloping talent.

When confronted with the toughest challenge, Jacqueline produced her best to squeeze past Becket in the dying moments of the race bringing the mammoth crowd alive with a dream finish. In a fast run race, Becket ensured that he stayed within striking distance and nearing the final turn advanced with alacrity to be prominent when entering the straight. Jacqueline was still biding her time but not with as much comfort as she was used to in the previous three Classics. The human side of Richards would have certainly been alarmed, when Becket pulled away to construct a handy lead past the final 400.

Becket was brilliant in his surge for glory. He bounded forward and kept going. Jacqueline still had places to cover and she was getting past the other contenders without undue trouble. However, for the first time this season, Jacqueline was urged and Richard was seen going all out long before he might have expected to do so while planning his strategy before the race. Into the final furlong, Becket was still ahead and for the huge number of her supporters, the lead may have looked awfully long. But not for the game daughter of King Charlemagne and Talita Kumi. In what was obviously an all-out assault, Richard Hughes, driven by instinct and determination, made a move that must have stopped many a heart.

Jacqueline, who had moved to just one behind Becket, was asked to take the narrowest of gaps on the inner railing, a move few jockeys would have dared to venture at such a crucial juncture. The make-it-or-break-it move was spot on, on hindsight, as Jacqueline, like a true champion, produced that little extra effort that sets champions apart. Jacqueline shot through the gap and got past the speeding Becket and the deafening roar from the crowd echoed the magic spell the Indian Derby casts on the masses and the city.

It took a record breaking effort to wear the McDowell Signature Indian Derby Crown. Jacqueline beat last-year winner Antonios’ record by .04 second clocking a new record time of 2:28.54. Native Knight ran a commendable third ahead of Onassis. Jacqueline emerged the ‘Queen of the Turf’ and in what a splendid fashion. Becket was gallant in defeat and one’s heart went out to the stupendous effort Becket produced in his biggest assignment yet. “Jacqueline is a true Champion. She proved she is the best in the business today. She was in sync at all times and did what I wanted her to do as if she was expecting my commands. She knew pretty well what was required and this is a rare quality in her,” said Richard Hughes.

Jacqueline set a new world record by winning all four classics (Indian 1000 Guineas, Indian 2000 Guineas, Indian Oaks and Indian Derby) in a row.