Ruia Stud Farm, making steady but sure progress
The Ruia Stud Farm is one of the older stud farms in the country. The stud farm, spread over 100 acres, at its present location at Shivral in Maharashtra, was set up in the year 1995 after the operations were re-located from Bangalore. Originally known as the Madras Stud when it was operating at a place near Bangalore, the stud farm has been named after the well known racing family. Its founder Nirmal Ruia was a passionate breeder and a race horse owner as well. One of the most prestigious races in the Indian calendar, the Gr 2 Ramnarain Ruia Gold Trophy is named after the founder’s father and this race is considered the dress rehearsal for the coveted Indian Derby. Ramnarain Ruia was the Chairman of Royal Western India Turf Club for a number of years.
Nirmal Ruia was a man who believed in the principles of offering all his stock to prospective buyers. Though he did race quite a few races, they were mostly fillies which he kept for purpose of breeding or those which did not match his price tag. The Ruia Stud Farm has the distinction of producing several classic winners including Calcutta Triple Crown winner Tug of War and Calcutta Derby winner Robin Hood, both produces of stud farm’s resident stallion Home Run.
The Stud Farm today stands three stallions namely Warrshan (Northern Dancer), Mr Mellon (Red Ransom) and the newly inducted Chatham Strait. (Deputy Minister) Young Padmanabh Ruia continues the legacy of his grandfather and is making earnest effort to upgrade the scale of operations by way of importing quality mares and also providing client services. Padmanabh involved himself in the stud farm activities six years ago. Though he did not have any formal education in stud farm management, he is making the right moves. "The thrill of breeding a winner is something I enjoy most. I enjoy both the academic and the racing side of the sport," says Padmanabh. There is an unmistakable desire to take the stud farm to new levels. Padmanabh has also instituted a race in memory of his grandfather in Pune called the N R Ruia Trophy which is a terms race for four-year olds.
The Ruias have owned and raced several top of the line race horses like dual Indian 1000 Guineas winner Highland Rule who is also the dam of the multi-graded race winner Oxford Blue, Cupid, winner of Nizam's Cup and many other high profile performers.
Warrshan, who is bred as full brother to India's foremost stallion Razeen, has produced speedy horses which have had their say in the Graded races in the country. Warrshan has been the sire of many prolific performers from his 13 crops which have raced. The list includes Secret Romeo who won the prestigious Gr 1 Poonawalla Breeders' Multi-Million, Portman Square, winner of Gr 1 Colts Trial Stakes in Bangalore, Secret Warrior, winner of Gr 2 Breeders' Produce Stakes, Yes Es Yes Ses, winner of Gr 2 Karnataka Juvenile Million. The other graded race performers are Royal Sapper, Royal Sapper, Gr3 Darley Arabian Stakes, Master Prospect,Gr3 Darley Arabian Stakes, Retained Asset, Gr3 Pailan Group Indian Produce Stakes, and multiple graded race winner Beyond Belief among others.
Mr Mellon (Red Ransom) is another high profile addition as a stallion to the stud farm. From his first crop itself, Mr Mellon had a Group I winner in Regal Connection who won the Gr 1 Calcutta Derby Stakes besides narrowly losing out to Sweeping Success in the Gr 1 Indian Turf Invitation Cup. Mr Mellon himself was a winner of Gr 2 Arlington Classic. Adamant Approach, who is from his second crop, has been a prolific performer at Hyderabad.
With the stud farm acquiring many new mares from the Goff's pregnant mares sales last year and building up a good base of mares to support the three stallions that are currently standing at the stud farm, Ruia Stud Farm should figure prominently in Indian racing scenario.
Nirmal Ruia was a man who believed in the principles of offering all his stock to prospective buyers. Though he did race quite a few races, they were mostly fillies which he kept for purpose of breeding or those which did not match his price tag. The Ruia Stud Farm has the distinction of producing several classic winners including Calcutta Triple Crown winner Tug of War and Calcutta Derby winner Robin Hood, both produces of stud farm’s resident stallion Home Run.
The Stud Farm today stands three stallions namely Warrshan (Northern Dancer), Mr Mellon (Red Ransom) and the newly inducted Chatham Strait. (Deputy Minister) Young Padmanabh Ruia continues the legacy of his grandfather and is making earnest effort to upgrade the scale of operations by way of importing quality mares and also providing client services. Padmanabh involved himself in the stud farm activities six years ago. Though he did not have any formal education in stud farm management, he is making the right moves. "The thrill of breeding a winner is something I enjoy most. I enjoy both the academic and the racing side of the sport," says Padmanabh. There is an unmistakable desire to take the stud farm to new levels. Padmanabh has also instituted a race in memory of his grandfather in Pune called the N R Ruia Trophy which is a terms race for four-year olds.
The Ruias have owned and raced several top of the line race horses like dual Indian 1000 Guineas winner Highland Rule who is also the dam of the multi-graded race winner Oxford Blue, Cupid, winner of Nizam's Cup and many other high profile performers.
Warrshan, who is bred as full brother to India's foremost stallion Razeen, has produced speedy horses which have had their say in the Graded races in the country. Warrshan has been the sire of many prolific performers from his 13 crops which have raced. The list includes Secret Romeo who won the prestigious Gr 1 Poonawalla Breeders' Multi-Million, Portman Square, winner of Gr 1 Colts Trial Stakes in Bangalore, Secret Warrior, winner of Gr 2 Breeders' Produce Stakes, Yes Es Yes Ses, winner of Gr 2 Karnataka Juvenile Million. The other graded race performers are Royal Sapper, Royal Sapper, Gr3 Darley Arabian Stakes, Master Prospect,Gr3 Darley Arabian Stakes, Retained Asset, Gr3 Pailan Group Indian Produce Stakes, and multiple graded race winner Beyond Belief among others.
Mr Mellon (Red Ransom) is another high profile addition as a stallion to the stud farm. From his first crop itself, Mr Mellon had a Group I winner in Regal Connection who won the Gr 1 Calcutta Derby Stakes besides narrowly losing out to Sweeping Success in the Gr 1 Indian Turf Invitation Cup. Mr Mellon himself was a winner of Gr 2 Arlington Classic. Adamant Approach, who is from his second crop, has been a prolific performer at Hyderabad.
With the stud farm acquiring many new mares from the Goff's pregnant mares sales last year and building up a good base of mares to support the three stallions that are currently standing at the stud farm, Ruia Stud Farm should figure prominently in Indian racing scenario.
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