A day in the life of a champion - By Mohit Lalvani | TOI
Posted on - 02 Feb 2017
A day in the life of a champion
By Mohit Lalvani
TOI
4:30 am and the first sounds of life at the Mahalaxmi racing stables are those of rus tling hay as the thoroughbreds housed there awake and get ready for yet another day at the office. The gentle nickering is interspersed with a louder neigh or two in response to the clattering of feed bins as the grooms mix up breakfast made up of oats, barley and pelleted feed.
It's 6 am by the time the horses are wiped down and walked out from the stables to the track where after a warm up in the trotting school, they get ready for their serious bit of exercise. For the Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby favourite, Serjeant at Arms, its three days before the big day and an easy 800 metre blow-out is all he needs.His retained jockey , Sandesh is a young champion and he sits motionless on the champ as they come home easily and with the efficiency that has become synonymous with Serjeant At Arms' style of racing.
Horses are natural swimmers and back at the stables by 9 am, some of his companions make their way to the swimming pool for a few rounds even as others who need a more controlled exercise environment, gallop on the equine treadmill often at speeds which make them look like they are flying rather than running.
There is saying in racing; "no foot, no horse". With 1000 pounds square inch of pressure on a hoof during a race, the farrier must ensure that the racing shoes are fitted to perfection and Serjeant At Arms stands patiently as he is equipped with the aluminum plates that he will wear on Sunday in the Derby. One mistake here and it could be all over. A massage at noon and lunch right after is the perfect prelude to Serjeant At Arms' short nap in the afternoon. 5 pm is roll time and at 6 PM it's time for his final feed.
By 8 pm, the stable that had the hustle and bustle of a street market is silent and Serjeant at Arms doses in between bites of dinner.
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