Armory snatch RTC Magic Million Cup
Jayaratne Stables completed a hat-trick as Armory, with Indian jockey M.S. Deora up, snatched the RTC Magic Million Cup 2026 after a thrilling battle against Governor’s Cup winner Here and Now at the Racecourse in Nuwara Eliya last weekend. The thrilling 1800m race got underway with five contenders battling for the prestigious silverware, with all five runners going neck-to-neck up until the final straight.
But it was Armory, the eight-year-old mare owned by Hasanga and Paba Jayaratne that managed to snatch the win from Here and Now, ridden by B. Nikhil by a close margin. Armory rose to the occasion against a strong and competitive field, showing excellent composure, while positioning strategically through the early stages before making a decisive move as the race unfolded. When it mattered most, Armory displayed superior acceleration and stamina, surging ahead in the final stretch to seal an emphatic victory. Here and Now completed the run placed second, followed by Proposed, The Sovereign Orb and Royal Crystal.
Earlier, Indian jockey M.S. Deora warmed up for the main race of the day by steering Sonic Dash towards the Alpine Trophy. Making a smart break at the gates, Sonic Dash set an assured tempo and maintained a strong gallop throughout. Under a well-judged ride, the horse showed excellent acceleration in the home straight, leaving rivals struggling to keep pace as Fabulous Show, Pink Lotus and Mauritania finished behind Sonic Dash.
Shass Comrade, owned by Hasanga and Paba Jayaratne and ridden by S.F. Ansari, won the Wijeya Newspapers Cup, after delivering a standout performance. Facing a competitive field, Shass Comrade showcased both composure and finishing strength, settling into a favourable position early before accelerating decisively in the home straight as Cosmic Feeling, Super Ruffian and Big Treasure finished behind the winner.
Earlier in the day, Edwards Stables continued their success from the RTC Governor’s Cup by winning the first race of the day run for the Mayor’s Cup. In a commanding performance, Crack of Dawn stamped its class and authority to capture the prestigious Mayor’s Cup, headlining an exciting day of thoroughbred racing in the hill capital. Guided with confidence by jockey B. Nikhil, Crack of Dawn settled well in the early stages before unleashing a decisive move in the final stretch, asserting dominance over the field with a strong and sustained finish ahead of stable mate Godsword, and rivals Solemn Moment and Kings Fire.