Indian Derby: The Ultimate Turf Dream - By Shailendra Awasthi I TOI
Posted on - 27 Jan 2015
Indian Derby: The Ultimate Turf Dream
By Shailendra Awasthi
Times Of India
When Pramod Belose got off his mount Noble Eagle in 2003, he could not hold back his tears. The jockey, who had only ridden ‘also-rans’ in his career till then, suddenly found himself in the limelight, with flashing cameras and TV microphones aimed at him. It was a life-changing moment for the ordinary Matheran boy after he had guided Noble Eagle, a no-hoper and a mere pace-setter, to a thumping win in the Indian Derby.
This is the charm of Indian Derby. It changes lives. Be it trainers, jockeys, owners, breeders, racegoers or simply a first-time enthusiast, many will experience it this Sunday when the most eagerly awaited race will be held at the picturesque Mahalaxmi Racecourse.
The winner will not only be regarded as the national champion of the year, but will also earn its owners the biggest prize for any individual winner in the history of Indian sports—a whopping Rs 2 crore-plus with the total prize money for the race reaching a magical figure of 3.27 crores.
Fourteen horses are expected to come under the starter’s order for the 2,400 metre (1.5 miles) race. Leading the pack as favourite will be jockey-turned-trainer Malesh Narredu's Be Safe.The winner of eight races from nine starts will face off with trainer Pesi Shroff 's Tiger Tops apart from a few outstation horses.
So be ready to be and be seen at the most happening place in the city on Sunday, February 1.
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