B R Sharan Kumar

Visiting French jockey Stephen Breaux was suspended from riding in races pending enquiry following the defeat of favourite Sparkling Spirit in the second race of Pune races on Sunday. Favourite Sparkling Spirit lost in questionable circumstances but the decision to suspend the jockey came about after the Stewards ordered an enquiry into the possible interference caused by eventual winner Mariposa to the favourite. The character of the enquiry changed dramatically after Narendra Lagad, who trains Sparkling Spirit, appeared before the Stewards to inform that he suspected that Stephane had not done justice to his mount. The 23-year-old jockey from France who is on his first visit to India has ridden 150 odd winners in France, USA & UK, and was riding three-year old filly Sparkling Spirit who was quoted at cramped odds. The filly lost ground at the start despite which she made good progress and shaped to justify the favouritism but the jockey was not aggressive in his finish. The favou...

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 p...

The National Horse Breeding Society of India will shortly launch its website www.nhbsi.in. The site is developed and maintained by www.racingpulse.in The following article will give a brief perspective on how Indian racing has progressed post Independence and how it has weathered many a storm to establish itself firmly albeit only in nine centres in India By Sharan Kumar The National Horse Breeding Society of India, originally known as National Horse Breeding and Show Society of India, was formed in 1920 and was basically meant to promote equestrian activities. In 1959, the nomenclature of the society underwent a change and the society was re-christened as National Horse Breeding Society of India, with the objective of representing the interests of Indian thoroughbred breeders, both individual as well as stud farm owners. Membership was open to all who had an interest in breeding. The people who were responsible for the formation of NHBSI were H H Jiwaji Rao Scindia of Gwalior, Lieut....

To whip or not is the question that was debated in India quite some ago before rules governing the use of the whip by a jockey in a race were introduced. India gets the distinction of being the first country in the World to introudce compulsory use of padded whips and also the number of times that a jockey can whip a horse. Australia is currently introducing several measures to protect the interests of horses. Here is a brilliantly written article, in defense of regulations about the use of the whip . HERE's a question for you. Do you want to be a member of a society that introduces a rule that increases the ability of jockeys to hit horses? Or do you want to be part of a society that limits the amount of times a jockey can whip a horse? Consider, of course, that this repetitive whipping is done for the entertainment of a small group within our community. The horses are whipped in the name of punting, pleasure, stake money and breeding value. Not one strike is for the health or wel...

Sohna Stud Farm near Delhi which is one of the youngest stud farms in the country, has had a meteoric rise in Indian racing history. Started in the late 90’s, the stud farm has already cut into the monopoly of established farms that have had a long history of domination of classics in India. The Sohna Stud Farm has now come to be recognized as a leading nursery in the country, with its produce making its presence felt all over the country. Attention to detail and eye for excellence are the reasons why Sohna has hit the gold patch. Velvet Rope from Sohna Stud Farm hit national headlines by winning the coveted Gr 1 Indian Derby a few years ago. Since then, the stud farm is only growing in strength. The present highest rated three year old of Western India, Versaki has already established his credentials by winning the Gr 1 Poonawalla Breeders Multi Million and is headed for grater glory. The Proletarian, Great Investment, Velvet Rope, Alvarita, Petronella, Dynasty, Brahmaputra, Jacqueli...