THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II CUP
(June - July 2004)

Few people would have imagined in 1856 when Nero beat a six horse field to win the inaugural running of the Viceroys Cup over the grueling 2800 meters at the Calcutta Race Course that the race would, 148 years later, be one of the oldest and most prestigious races in the Indian Racing circuit- The Queen Elizabeth II Cup.

History is an integral part of this race. There are two Queen Elizabeth II Cup races in the world that her Majesty patronizes. Except for a brief period from 1864-1868 when under the Lord Lawrence's' Vice Royalty the race wasn't held, The Queen' cup has always been one of the most coveted trophies at the Royal Calcutta Turf Club, and has become along with the Gold Cup over a mile and the Indian Champion Cup over 2000 meters, the 3rd leg of the Triple Crown for older horses.

`Garrads' the famous trophy maker in London, especially designs. The Queen Elizabeth II cup every year. It is then sent to the British High Commission in Delhi by Her Majesty. The cup is then sent to Kolkata and ceremoniously handed over to the RCTC. Her Majesty personally sends a congratulatory message to the winning horse.

Her Majesty's presence at the Royal Calcutta Turf Club in 1960 for running of The Queen Elizabeth II Cup was a historic moment in Indian racing. A mammoth crowd of approximately 40000 witnessed the race. Her Royal presence ensured the highest number of horses at 18 to participate in the race. With much pomp and grandeur, the races were held that day. "Pa Bear" owned by Mrs. A. H. Billimoria, ridden by the master artist Swinburn Sr. won the race in a timing of 3.31.5 sec.

In a lighter vein, it is believed that in his speech after receiving the cup from her Majesty a rather joyful Mr. Billimoria said "I thank you from the bottom of my heart and from my wife's bottom as well."

Any episode on Queen Elizabeth II cup would be incomplete without the mention of Dark Legend the 1918 Queen Elizabeth II cup winner presumably one of the sensations to have run on the Indian turf.

When Maharaja of Jodhpur died in 1916 his string of horse was put up for sale and the legend J. C. Galstaun decided to buy Dark Legend. Dark Legend duly obliged in the Wellesley Plate and then gave Rose his rider an armchair ride in the King's Emperor Cup, then came the `Queen Elizabeth II Cup' Huxley was riding the horse. Suddenly `One' another horse in the race garnered a lot of support in the betting ring. From a good start, One led in the back straight with Dark Legend sitting second. One increased the lead to ten lengths at the 1000 meters. Huxley then set alight Dark Legend then drew away to emerge a clear winner by three lengths. One was unlucky to have come up against an opponent that has finished third in the Epsom Derby.

After some time Dark Legend had to be taken out of racing as his legs gave up. He was then sent to stud in France. In stud he went on to earn just over 100,000 pounds. Among his more successful progenies was Dark Orient who raced with great success in India while Dark Way had a most successful career on the continent. Dark Diamond was second in the Grand Prix, which he would have won had he not been badly ridden. Dark Lantern won the French Guineas and one of the fillies by Dark Legend won the French Oaks. Then there was Easton who raced with success in England while Legend of France won several races in that country and in England. Finally, at the age of twenty-four, Dark Legend produced Galatia who won the English Guineas and Oaks and was nominated champion filly of the year.

The 2004 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (grade III) attracted six contestants. In the line up was the last year winner Allodium, 2002 Mysore Derby winner and this year Gold Cup and the Indian Champion Cup winner Obligado, vying for the Triple Crown, and this year Calcutta Derby runner up to Physic Flame (who subsequently went on to win the Indian Derby), Red Chief.

As the six horse field came under starters order, Assumer set a scorching pace followed by No Regrets, Allodium with Christopher Alford on board set three lengths adrift but well up with the pace. Obligado partnered by Western India ace M. Narredu sat forth about six lengths behind while C. Ruzzan on Red Chief in receipt of eight kilogram's from Allodium and sixteen kilogram's from Obligado opted to sit second last. With six furlongs to go C. Alford made his move on Allodium and narrowed the gap with the front running Assumer while M. Narredu on Oligado also moved within striking distance. Ruzaan on Red Chief still played the waiting game.

Entering the short straight of Calcutta Allodium took over the running. Obligado with his crushing impost of 61 kilogram's beginning to tell could not make any impression on Allodium. A furlong from home Allodium was three and a half lengths in the lead when Ruzaan on Red Chief asked for an effort from his colt. Red Chief galloped brilliantly and narrowed the gap between him and Allodium with every stride. Alford on Allodium sensed the danger and drove a hard finish on the eight year old to win the race by a neck in the fast time of 2.57 minutes.

Dr. Andrew Hall, OBE, British Deputy High Commissioner presented the cup to a delighted Mr. Deepak Khaitan.