Snowfall, representing the yard of trainer Aman Altaf Hussain, stormed to victory in the Yohan Z. Poonawalla Turf Club Trophy (Grade 3) — the feature race on the fourth day of the Pune racing season — held at the picturesque Pune Racecourse on Sunday.
It was a cloudy afternoon at the venue, the kind that seemed to promise drama on the turf, and Snowfall delivered just that. Partnered by the talented young jockey Yash Narredu, the five-year-old mare did not spring smartly from the gates, losing ground in the early strides. But as the race unfolded, it became evident that the slow start would not define her run.
Market King, the early pace-setter, looked poised for victory until the final furlong. That’s when Yash, displaying both patience and precision, urged Snowfall into top gear. In a thrilling final 100 metres, Snowfall swept past the tiring leader, securing the win by a length to the roar of the crowd.
The tote favourite, Siege Courageous, despite strong market support, could do no better than third in this seven-horse field, unable to match the acceleration of the front pair in the closing stages.
Meanwhile, jockey G. Vivek enjoyed a day to remember, notching up an impressive four winners on the card — a feat that firmly established him as the star performer of the afternoon.
