Pronto Pronto, Hughes steal the show

MUMBAI: Irish saddle artist Richard Hughes showed exemplary skills to guide Pallon Mistry-owned braveheart Pronto Pronto to a breathtaking victory in an edge of the seat thrilling contest to win the Casino Royale Indian 2000 Guineas, the second classic race of Mumbai Season at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse on Sunday.
The victory also ended veteran trainer Imtiaz Sait's five year long drought in the Indian Classics.
Hughes settled the Bangalore Summer Derby winner in the rear bunch alongside Cardinal and Picasso, the two main contenders from the stables of ace trainer Pesi Shroff, as Astapi showed the way to the 10-horse field with Pronto Star, Indomitable and Bangalore challenger Speed Six following him in the front pack.
As the race came to a boil entering the home stretch, Speed Six hit the front, soon to be overtaken by Cardinal and Picasso. Hughes too brought Pronto Pronto from the shortest way possible to join the issue.
A thrilling battle ensued between Picasso, Cardinal and Pronto Pronto. Hughes' hard riding and Pronto Pronto's late burst finally settled the issue in favour of them.