Pune: Zuniga, dismissed as an outsider, sprang a surprise by winning the General Rajendrasinhji Million, the feature event on the penultimate day of the Pune racing season, at the Pune Racecourse here on Thursday.
In a thrilling finish, Zuniga surged to the front in the final 50 metres and pipped Rampage by a short head to claim the coveted title. Noraiah, meanwhile, had a disastrous start, failing to jump out of the gates and losing valuable ground, which left the filly struggling to keep pace with the field.
Midway through the race, there appeared to be a possibility of an objection after Zuniga and Rampage were involved in bumping. However, the incident did not lead to any protest, as Zuniga was declared the winner after coming through the scrutiny of the judges and the Stewards' Jury.
