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  The Mastermind Who Rewrote Indian Racing’s Script   By Sharan Kumar   One of India’s most accomplished and intellectually gifted racehorse trainers, Sadakshara Reuben Padmanabhan (71), passed away in Bengaluru on Sunday, (October 19 at 8 a.m.) after a valiant battle with illness. Fondly known as Paddy, he was a self-made man whose integrity, brilliance, and determination made him a towering figure in Indian racing. A relentless fighter on and off the turf, Padmanabhan’s legacy of excellence, courage, and principle will endure long after his final race. He rose from scratch to the very summit of Indian racing inspiring confidence of the racing fraternity.   Padmanabhan belonged to an elite league — one of only three trainers in India to have saddled over 100 Classic winners, the others being the late Rashid Byramji and the late Aris David. His rise to greatness came relatively late, but once the floodgates opened, there was simply no stopping him. Even w...
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  A Pint-Sized Genius: Remembering Aslam Kader   By Sharan Kumar   Former champion jockey  Aslam Kader , one of Indian racing’s brightest and most mercurial talents, passed away in Bangalore on Thursday after a prolonged battle with lung cancer. He was 63   To describe Aslam merely as one of India’s finest jockeys would be an understatement. He was a phenomenon — a pint-sized genius who ruled the turf with a blend of grace and aggression rarely seen before or since. Known for his electric finishes and daring race sense, he dazzled racegoers in  Bangalore, Mumbai, and Kolkata , and other centres where his name became synonymous with excellence in the saddle.   Nicknamed  “AK-47”  — for  Aslam Kader  and the  47 kilograms  that remained his steady weight throughout his career — his winners came in volleys, often leaving rivals shell-shocked. His record of  77 winners in a single Mumbai season  remai...
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  Favourites Falter on a Fierce Derby Day   By Sharan Kumar   If Derby Day at Hyderabad was supposed to be the punters’ paradise, it turned instead into their subscription to despair. The so-called “on-money certainties” folded faster than umbrellas after a drizzle, while longshots danced away with the spoils. Still, amid the chaos and crushed tickets, Donald Netto’s Nonpariel stood tall — and true to her name, proved simply without equal.   The Turf Authorities of India Cup (1400m) for the elite lot turned into Nonpariel’s personal exhibition gallop. The Dali progeny, carrying apprentice Sonu Kumar who rode with calm assurance, looked in total command — well, except for that fleeting moment in the final furlong when Diablo threatened to play spoilsport. The front-runner briefly shook off Nonpariel and looked home free until he decided to drift. Sonu needed no second invitation — he straightened his mount, pressed the button, and Nonpariel responded...
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  Mountain Jewel Stuns Favourite in Derby Thriller   By Sharan Kumar   Jockey Anthony Raj seems to be galloping faster than the inflation rate these days. The man can’t stop winning. From Mysore to Hyderabad, he’s been on a first-name basis with the winning post. His latest conquest — the Gr.1 Race2win Foundation Hyderabad Deccan Derby on Sunday at Malakpet aboard Prasanna Kumar-trained Mountain Jewel — only added another gem to his crown.   On paper, Mountain Jewel was the “lesser fancied runner.” On the track, she was a rebel with a cause. When the gates opened, Matisse wasted no time proving that running wasn’t on his to-do list, unseating Kritish Bhagat almost as soon as the gates opened. Mindful took over the lead (perhaps mindful that someone had to), followed by Northern Waves , with Andre , Tolkien , Knight Regent , Super Star , Term Deposit , Red Bishop , Arrived , and finally Mountain Jewel bringing up the rear.   As they swung into ...
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  Sandesh in Command with Five-Win Blitz   By Sharan Kumar   Racing these days seems to have misplaced its competitive spark. One-sided affairs are becoming the norm, and though favourites continue to rule the roost, their odds are so miserly that even a single upset leaves punters nursing their losses — a situation worsened by the punitive 40 per cent GST. With expensive entry tickets and little adrenaline left to savour, the ordinary racegoer is left more frustrated than thrilled. It’s time the authorities examined why the sport’s edge is dulling — perhaps the handicapping system needs a rethink to revive excitement and unpredictability.   Saturday’s Pune card was a perfect illustration of the trend. Leading jockey A Sandesh had a day out, booting home five winners — most of them virtual processions. The only relief came in the Gr 3 Threptin Fillies & Mares Stakes , where long shot Regina Memorabilis upset the market leaders Psychic Star and Tha...
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  T.J.S. George — A Giant Who Preferred the Shadows   T.J.S. George, who passed away at the age of 97 on Friday, October 3, was a towering figure in Indian journalism — one who never sought the limelight that so often follows success. He preferred to remain in the background, letting his words, not his photograph, speak for him.   As the founder-editor of Asiaweek , George’s contribution to journalism was immense and enduring. He inspired generations of journalists, not through lofty speeches or social charm, but through sheer professional brilliance and an unyielding demand for excellence. He was the Editorial Advisor of the New Indian Express for more than three decades   T.J.S., as he was fondly known, was unlike any other editor. Stern, uncompromising, and exacting, he had little patience for mediocrity. Those who failed to meet his standards often found themselves reassigned—or quietly shown the door. Yet, for those who earned his respect, his regard...
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  RWITC Keeps Tradition Alive with Media Day at Pune   By Sharan Kumar   It was “Media Day” at Pune—yes, you read that right, the Royal Western India Turf Club actually remembered the media exists. A rare sight, considering most turf clubs treat reporters warmly only until someone dares to ask a question tougher than “How’s the buffet?” Newspaper coverage remains thinner than a jockey on a crash diet, but at least a couple of websites keep punters armed with the essentials: which horse is actually running and which favourite is about to scamper off with their money. In a sport where favourites rule the board, spotting the fake ones is the difference between walking away with a smile.   The 1000 metres Racingpulse.in Trophy was about as shocking as a politician swearing innocence. Bezan Chenoy’s Etoile, who had come close last time, ticked every box and this time let Anthony Raj coast him home with minimal drama. Adonis tried to stir things up but ran out...
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