Trevor Patel got the distinction of reaching the coveted land mark of 1000 winners in less than eight years and thus achieved the feat faster than any other Indian jockey. Trevor who booted home three winners on the opening day`s races at Mysore on Friday, guided Turf Star to a resounding win in the 1600 metres K T Shamaiah Gowda Memorial Cup, a race for horses rated 40 to 65 to reach the land mark. Trevor is due to leave on August 29 for a stint at Australia.

Trevor`s progress has been swift after he began riding for leading stables. Trevor never hesitated to ride for lesser lights as well which helped him earn the goodwill of all. Since he rode with positive intent, he was also very popular among the punters who generally suspect everyone if the result did not accrue in the way they perceive. Here`s wishing Trevor continued success in Australia and hopes he excels in the highly competitive and aggressive environment of Australia where no quarter is given.

Coming back to racing, Turf Star was destined to fetch Trevor the win he would cherish most because of the landmark reached. After he won two races, it was clear that Turf Star who towered over the opposition would complete the first target that the jockey had set for himself. Turf Star toyed with the opposition, taking control of the proceedings soon after turning for home and won cantering away to win by a widening margin of nine lengths over Benedetta and Reanna.

Satish Narredu trained Tutankhamun towered over the opposition in the 1400 metres Srikantadatta Nararismharaja Wadiyar Memorial Million, a terms race for three-year-olds. Suraj Narredu who was returning to action after being kept out because of a freak injury suffered in a fall in the paddock at Bangalore, had no problem in steering the favourite to a comfortable win. The hard-driven Pinyada cut an erratic course under pressure but managed to finish second ahead of Megasthenes who put in a poor performance. Tutankhamun won well but not in the way which can inspire confidence about his prospects in the Guineas.

The well performed Arrogant Approach had lost form and had shifted to trainer K P G Appu after being sold. The game performer had come down a lot and was running against a modest lot of horses in the 1400 metres Star of Mysore Trophy, a race for horses rated 60 and above. The seven-year-old gelding who hadn`t won for 518 days, showed aggression of old in the hands of Trevor and left the field stranded in the final furlong to win the race in emphatic fashion. The consistent Speed Hawk was second ahead of Ace Force.

Rakesh trained Savannah Sound was another winner for Trevor. The seven-year-old mare kept up her form when she easily accounted for Bangalore challenger Integrated to record a facile win by a margin of three lengths in the 1400 metres Ranga Family Cup, a race for horses rated 80 and above. Downtown Abbey came up with a late dash but just about missed the runner-up berth by a nose.

Bobby trained Be Bold overhauled front-running Diamond Attraction soon after the runners hit the homestretch and sped away for a comfortable win over late rallying Point in the 1200 metres Pune Plate (Div I), a race for horses rated 20 to 45. Diamond Attraction saved the third place in a tight finish from Majestic Queen and favourite Nikka. Favourite Amaris swiftly moved to be a handy second from the widest draw and gave an arm-chair ride to victory for jockey Suraj Narredu in the lower division of the race. Ireland was a comfortable second ahead of Always United.

Sajid Qureshi trained Al Dorado was the only long shot to win during the course of the day`s action. The long shot burst through the middle in the final furlong and shot ahead and easily held off the late challenge of Ultimate Glory to win the 1400 metres Somanathpur Plate, a race for horses in the lowest category. Time Always was third ahead of early leader Oceana.