I havent seen Be Safe yet, says Ramaswamy - By Prasad RS I TOI
Posted on - 11 Feb 2015
I haven't seen Be Safe yet, says Ramaswamy
By Prasad RS
TOI
Days after his horse `Be Safe' etched its name in the annals of horse racing by winning the Signature Indian Derby, turf baron MAM Ramaswamy spoke to TOI on his passion for the sport and the one race which he is yet to win. Excerpts:
Would you call `Be Safe' one of the best you have owned till date?
I've owned quite a few (horses). `Be Safe' certainly is among the finest I have had in my stable so far.
What prompted you to purchase it?
(Smiles) You'll be surprised to know that I have not seen him till date. My trainer and others helped me buy it.Earlier, I used to go myself to see a horse, examine it and then buy it. But this time, my team did it.
Whenever you have purchased, you have bought more than one. Why is that so?
The more, the merrier. I buy lot of horses so that the chances of winning increases. I need luck too, without which it's not possible to win.
Speaking of luck, often we see horse owners being superstitious. Are you one among them?
Absolutely! I won't buy a horse with an `asudar' mark on its forehead, it brings bad luck. I recall a horse of mine, `Fair Court', a favourite to win in a major race in 1970. Right from the start it looked out of place and ended up second last. As things turned out, my mother passed away the same time the race was on.
Your 100th Classic win, at Mysore in 1983, was an emotional one.
On the day of the race, my trusted attendant Kasi, who had been with me for many years, passed away. I kept it a secret, but once I received the trophy I broke down. I have always treated each of my employees as my family member, and that loss was shattering. member, and that loss was shattering.
Take us through your first Indian Derby win in 1989.
`Exhilaration' was the horse of which I was a part-owner. My sixth sense told me it will win, and it won. It was a memorable moment.
Which has been your most memorable Classic wins till date?
The victory of `Own Opinion' at the prestigious Indian Turf Invitation Cup in Mumbai in 1979 was special.It got the better of favourite `Royal Tern' to reign supreme.
How do you rate Malesh Narredu (who handles Be Safe) as a trainer?
Malesh is an honest person, and that's something I adore about him. He is one of the best we have, and it shows in the horses he trains.
How do you judge a horse?
I look at its formation. It should walk calmly and the legs must be strong and long.
Why don't horses from other centres come to race in Chennai?
They perhaps feel I am dominating here and hence don't come here.
