Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Jaandaar Overcomes Pre-Race Drama to Win Pune Derby
Jaandaar won the Pune Derby, a major horse race held at Pune Race Course.
It was his fifth win in a row.
Before the race, he resisted entering the starting gates and threw off his jockey, Vivek G. He was blindfolded and then led into the stalls.
Once the race began, Iron Mirage ran in front early.
Jaandaar stayed with the other horses and waited for the right moment.
Near the finish, Vivek G urged him forward.
Jaandaar passed the challenge and beat Avener by less than a length.
Pesi Shroff trains Jaandaar.
Jaandaar won the Villoo C. Poonawalla Pune Derby (Grade 1) at Pune Race Course on Sunday.
The colt extended his winning streak to five consecutive victories under jockey Vivek G.
Before the start, Jaandaar threw off Vivek G and refused to enter the starting stalls; officials blindfolded him to lead him in.
Iron Mirage set the early pace, while Jaandaar made his challenge late in the race.
Jaandaar beat Avener by less than a length; he is trained by Pesi Shroff.
- Who
- Jaandaar, ridden by Vivek G and trained by Pesi Shroff, beat Avener.
- What
- Jaandaar won the Villoo C. Poonawalla Pune Derby (Grade 1), extending his streak to five wins.
- When
- Sunday; the article does not specify the date.
- Where
- Pune Race Course, Pune.
- Why
- The article describes the win as the result of Jaandaar's late challenge and fighting spirit; it gives no broader reason.
Pre-race concerns
Race outcome
Jaandaar's prospects
Pre-race concerns
His refusal to enter the stalls and subdued showing for much of the race led observers and punters to wonder whether his streak would end.
Race outcome
He responded to Vivek G's late-timed challenge and won by less than a length, recording a fifth straight victory.
- Race
- Villoo C. Poonawalla Pune Derby (Grade 1)
- Venue
- Pune Race Course
- Winner
- Jaandaar
- Jockey
- Vivek G
- Trainer
- Pesi Shroff
- Winning streak
- Five consecutive victories
- Margin
- Less than a length ahead of Avener