Adhiraj, Third Generation Lad From Trainer Family, Seeks Better Returns
Shailendra Awasthi | TNN
Mumbai: It was a unique son rise at the Pune Race Course on Thursday. As young Adhiraj Singh Jodha held jockey Chotu Jodha’s legs to help him mount filly Feona, he became perhaps the only second third generation trainers in India after the Byramjis.
Grandson of jockey-turned trainer Purtu Singh, Adhiraj literally stepped into shoes of his father, trainer Magan Singh, when his filly won the Zahra Plate. Magan Singh too had started his career with a win when his ward Pennywise had won 21 years ago.
Adhiraj, however, learned the harsh realities of the profession when he couldn’t celebrate his debut win. His family members were too tired after a busy day at the races and next day too was going to be hectic. “This profession doesn’t allow you a proper social life,’’ said Adhiraj, who plans to combine his maiden win with his 26th birthday celebrations, on Sunday.
The lack of social life of a trainer is perhaps the thread that binds the three generations. “Had my son chosen some other profession, we wouldn’t have enjoyed this family bonding,’’ says Magan.
“I never forced him to join the profession. I just wanted him to complete his graduation, thankfully he decided to stay with me as I had done decades ago,’’ he said.
Anyway Adhiraj wouldn’t have chosen any other career. For someone who had learnt to ride before he could walk, the choice was clear. “My maternal grandfather, Lt Col Govind Singh, was the commanding officer of the 61st Cavalry and had a stud farm in Jaipur. I have been around horses all my life,’’ says Adhiraj, who has been assisting his father for the last four years.
But at a time when experts claim that horse racing is fast losing popularity, why did he decided to be a trainer? “Racing was losing popularity four years ago, not now. Sponsors are flocking and racing has become more of a lifestyle sport,’’ is his counter.
He now talks like a mature professional. “Like humans, every horse has certain qualities, it is our duty to find it and put it to good use,’’ he says.
But horses don’t speak. “And, that is the real challenge,’’ he indicates. “If they have any physical or mental uneasiness, it is for you to find out. For that it is imperative that you observe them every day,’’ says Adhiraj, who now has 15 horses under his belt.
Though the Jodhas, who belong to a warrior tribe from Rajashtan, aren’t known as serious Classic race challengers, Adhiraj, the youngest of them, wants to change the profile. “I want to come out of my father’s shadow and do something big. As far as Classics are concerned, that depends on the kind of horses I get and kind of contacts I develop. But for that to happen I need to show some good results in the first place,’’ says Adhiraj who is a good polo player and represents the Amateur Riders’ Club.
Adhiraj has learnt the tricks of the trade fast and is a regular at the world’s biggest horse auction in Keeneland Sales, in Kentucky, USA. “I look at the pedigree and the conformation (body posture) while buying horses,’’ he says, who has bought 15 horses for breeding during his last two visits.
THE JODHA TRAIL
Purtu Singh, 82:
Started riding at the RWITC in 1946. Won 790 races in a career spanning over four decades and his wins included Indian 1000 Guineas and Indian St. Leger. Gave up riding to become a trainer in 1984. Retired in 2006.
Magan, 55:
A cinematographer, who made advertisement for Stanrose Fabrics, Seema Bulbs and Himalayan Rally, in late 70’s and early 80s. Gave up cinematogrphy to become trainer in 1989. Currently has 53 horses in his stables.
Adhiraj, 26:
Completed 4 years of training apprenticeship under father guidence. Won his first race with filly Feona on Thursday.
RAJASTHAN ROYALS: (from left) Magan Singh Jodha, Purtu Singh and Adhiraj Singh Jodha at the Pune Racecourse on Friday
