Derby-winning owner was offered Rs six crore for filly

MiD DAY had learnt from reliable sources that Captain Appoo, who owns the Derby winner In The Spotlight, was offered an astronomical sum of Rs 6 crore for a stake in the champion filly just a week before the big race.

The news could not be confirmed at the time, but now with the Derby over, and In The Spotlight having won it in spectacular style, MiD DAY broached the subject with the owner who was in an expansive mood after his maiden Derby victory.

Was it true that he was offered a princely sum for a stake in the wonder filly? "Yes, that's right," Appoo confirmed, but refused to name either the middleman who approached him with the offer, or the man on whose behalf the feeler was sent.

Huge sum
"I was offered Rs 6 crore," Appoo revealed. "I was told I can continue owning her, and she would race in my colours in the Derby, but later she would be owned by the new bidder.

I refused the offer. "Money comes and money goes, I have seen lot of it. Six crore was not a mean sum, but I made clear she was not for sale," Appoo added.