The Derby weekend at Mahalakshmi always brings out the regular racegoers. Derby day also attracts the casual fan. There are the trendy types who make that trek to Mahalakshmi to flaunt and observe the latest in fashion and add to the rich ambience.
I am thrilled beyond measure this year. Above all, from the racing connoisseur’s perch, the weekend will be packed with rare excitement. Some of the finest jockeys in the world will ply their trade. I feel as if I am at Epsom Downs and the Curragh combined into one. Heading the list is the ebullient Lanfranco Dettori. The transplanted Italian, who makes his home in England, will be riding in India for the first time. Dettori’s accomplishments are long and impressive. Dettori, in 2007, won his first Epsom Derby with Authorized.
Ireland is represented big time in India. Colm O’Donoghue needs no introduction. Chris Hayes is making a name for himself. Danny Grant is becoming the darling of the fans in India. There is another big name--an Irishman, coming. Mick Kinane, the class act in riding if there ever was one, is flying in.
Richard Hughes is well-known in India. In recent years, he has been in the top part of the British riding hierarchy. He is in India. Wait, there’s more. Richard Mullen is also in India. So is Ryan Moore. Moore excelled despite injury early in the season. He is favoured to win the 2008 British jockey title.
How can the cast be complete without a French name? Samuel Fargeat has been riding with rare aplomb and is held in high regard in India.
Add the names of B Prakash, C Rajendra, and other Indian stalwarts and there you have it--a jockey colony that will do justice to any international meeting. Is it not mouth-watering?
I spoke to trainer S Padmanabhan. “Frankie Dettori is one of the best jockeys in the world. It is a privilege to have him come to India and ride. He is coming in Friday afternoon. Mick Kinane is arriving at the same time,” Paddy said.
I asked Padmanabhan if Dettori will be shown race tapes of horses he will ride. Padmanabhan gave an emphatic answer. “Jockeys of Dettori’s calibre don’t need visual aids. He will have an idea what he is up against and what he can expect from his mount in a matter of minutes by talking to the trainers. These riders can make decisions for themselves.”
Trainer Padmanabhan will saddle three horses in the Indian Derby on Sunday. Frankie Dettori will be aboard Retribution. Chris Hayes will ride Noble Prince. Western Command will be Danny Grant’s mount.
The talk turned to Retribution. “Retribution is an exceptionally well-bred horse. He has come to hand. His bloodlines clearly show he will stay. In the Golconda Derby, he was not extended and yet, he was cruising home,” Padmanabhan continued.
I wondered aloud if two races in a matter of a week would make harsh demands on Retribution. Padmanabhan responded with alacrity. “Diabolical did it last year. Retribution is well, he is fresh. He is a good traveller. He is coming up to his best race and he continues to improve. Bourbon King will be a strong favourite but in Retribution, I have a strong contender. My confidence level is high.”
In the past two years, two of Dr Ramaswamy’s horses, Mystical and Southern Empire, were beaten in the Indian Derby. In 2007, Diabolical, Southern Empire’s stablemate, had the last laugh. Bourbon King figures to be a solid favourite on Sunday.
