Here and Now clinches Governor’s Cup 2026

Here and Now proved its class with a composed and tactical run at the Royal Turf Club (RTC) Governor’s Cup Horse Race 2026 held at the Racecourse in Nuwara Eliya.

It was slowed off by nearly 10 lengths as the gates opened and thereafter, settled comfortably during the mid stages, the horse showed excellent balance and patience before making a decisive move in the final stretch.

The win highlighted Here and Now’s stamina, race intelligence and the ability to perform under pressure and to succeed over the demanding Governor’s Cup distance.

The victory underlined its class among the top thoroughbreds competing in Sri Lanka’s premier event.

Cosmic Feeling, trained by D. D. Mahesh and superbly ridden by local jockey K. Sanjeewa emerged as a dominant winner of this year’s Queen’s Cup, delivering a performance that combined class, stamina and tactical brilliance.

Run over approximately 1,800 metres, the race demanded both endurance and well-timed finishing effort – qualities that this horse displayed to perfection.

Breaking well from the gates Jockey Sanjeewa got into a comfortable rhythm, conversing energy through the early and middle stages. As the field approached the final bend, Sanjeewa positioned the horse perfectly to challenge, before unleashing a powerful acceleration in the home straight.

What made this win particularly impressive was the horse’s ability to handle pressure in a competitive field, maintaining balance and composure throughout.

Results of RTC Governor’s Cup 2026

Race 1 – 1,400m: 1. Fabulous Show (S. V. Mathialagan/P. Sai Kumar), 2. Super Ruffian (S. V. Mathialagan/M. S. Deora), 3. Mauritania (S. D. Mahesh/Ryan Ahmed).

Race 2 – 1,070m: 1. Shass Comrade (S. V. Mathialagan/P. Sai Kumar), 2. Godsword (S. D. Mahesh/Ryan Ahmed), 3. Solemn Moment (S. V. Mathialagan/M. S. Deora.

Race 3 – 1,800m: 1. Cosmic Feeling (S. D. Mahesh/K. Sanjeewa, 2. The Sovereign ORB (S. V. Mathialagan/P. Sai Kumar), 3. Royal Crystal (S. D. Mahesh/Ryan Ahmed).

Race 4 – 1,600m: 1. Here and Now (S. D. Mahesh/Ryan Ahmed), 2. Proposed (S. V. Mathialagan/P. Sai Kumar), 3. Armory (N. Prasanna/Kuldeep Singh).

Source - Sunday Observer