Jockey Sandesh creates Indian racing history - By Shailendra Awasthi I TNN
Posted on - 28 Apr 2014
Jockey Sandesh creates Indian racing history
By Shailendra Awasthi I TNN
Mumbai: Ace jockey Akhade Sandesh created history in Indian racing by notching up 151 wins within a year (May 2013 to April 2014) when he rode two winners on Sunday, the concluding day of the Mumbai Racing Season 2013-14. Sandesh also emerged as the champion jockey of the season with 64 triumphs. Trainer Pesi Shroff won the trainers’ championship with 38 victories to his credit.
“It feels good when you do well,” said a modest Sandesh. The 22-year-old is the only son of a small-time joyride provider in Matheran. His father knew horse owner Iqbal Nathani from Mumbai who would take his horses for a joyride whenever he visited Matheran. Nathani had promised Sandesh’s father that he would take the young lad to Mumbai once he grows up. “After completing my tenth standard, my father sent me to Mumbai,” recalled Sandesh. Nathani later handed over the young jockey to trainer Rehanullah Khan to learn the art of riding.
Sandesh, who now rides for the respected veteran trainer MK Jadhav, got his riding license during the 2009 Pune season, but had to wait for six months to register his first win. It finally came on his 44th career mount on Pepe Junior during the 2009-10 Mumbai Season in March.
Other winners of the season:
Leading Apprentice Jockey: B Nikhil. Leading Jockey with Allowance: B Nikhil. Leading Owner: MAM Ramaswamy. Leading Racing Syndicate: Her Majesty.
Attendance up, says Jain
RWITC chairman Vivek Jain termed the Mumbai Season as an excellent one. “It has been an excellent season with attendance up and record sponsorships and several new initiatives. We hope to keep this up in Pune too,” said Jain.
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