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Becket Goes To Mumbai
By Tom Krish | 27 Jan 2010 | MUMBAI
Mr Zeyn Mirza and Chris Hayes ( Cielo Rey) at trophy presentation
“I fell in love with him the first time I looked at him,” a relieved but ebullient Padmanabhan confessed to his adoration for his four year-old trainee, Becket. The problem-plagued Becket, a bred in the purple colt, was making his only fourth career start in the Grade I Poonawalla Bangalore Derby on Sunday. The indefatigable Padmanabhan, unwavering in his faith, had believed that he had nursed his prize pupil to optimum health and the denouement on Sunday could not have been more gratifying to the Bangalore-based training ace.
Becket, based on his thrashing of the opposition in his Derby prep, commanded a big following. There were serious questions that needed to be answered. The Hawk Wing colt was tackling the 2400-metre distance for the first time. One problem after another had forced Padmanabhan to deal with serious interruptions in the training of Becket. The 12-runner Derby field had four horses that were supplements at a cost of three lakh of rupees each. Yes, several knowledgeable people in the racing fraternity saw signs of vulnerability in the favourite but the fans, for the most part, continued to pour money Becket’s way and David Allan’s mount did not leave ‘on money’ territory.
First Of A Legend set the pace. With permission from the stewards, You’re So Beautiful left the paddock early to get away from the frenzy that is generally part of the parade in front of the stands. Suraj had the Neil Darashah-trained filly forwardly placed. Becket was held up in mid-pack and was travelling ever so ominously well as the front-runners raced past the halfway mark. You’re So Beautiful, much closer to the top than in the Oaks, struck the front turning for home. Jockey Allan had brought the favourite along and Becket was right behind You’re So Beautiful. Suraj was trying to steal a march but Allan had reminded his mount of the task ahead. With 400 metres to run, Becket had drawn level with the leader and began putting some separation between himself and the filly. The winner of the 2010 Bangalore Derby had been spotted. Gershwin took the third spot. Cabriolet, one of the supplemental nominations, was at the wrong end and did little to justify the hefty payment made by his connections.
It was a four-length victory. Becket clocked two minutes and 33.97 seconds for the 2400-metre journey. The Derby win made Becket four for four lifetime, a remarkable achievement no matter what the criteria are for use of the adjective ‘remarkable.’
Now, a thought or two on Becket’s bloodlines. Becket’s father is Hawk Wing. Trained by Aidan O’Brien, Hawk Wing was the top two year-old in Europe in 2000. He won the National Stakes in Ireland. At three, Hawk Wing was beaten by Rock of Gibraltar in the English 2000 Guineas. In the Epsom Derby, High Chapparal got the better of Hawk Wing in a finish that had the grandstanders on the edges of their seats. A trip to the Breeders’ Cup was a disappointment. To Hawk Wing’s credit, it should be mentioned that High Chapparal won the Breeders’ Cup Turf in 2002 at Arlington Park and deadheated with Johar in the same race in 2003 at Santa Anita.
A note on Boiling River, Becket’s dam. Boiling River is by Dayjur, a Godolphin runner. Dayjur found his niche in sprints. In 1990, as a sophomore, Dayjur made a sweep of four sprinting prizes in Europe. He won the Temple Stakes, the Nunthorpe and the Ladbrokes Sprint Cup. He capped it all by winning the 1000-metre (straight course) Group I Prix d’Abbaye at Longchamp in early October. Then came the race in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Belmont Park. I remember the race vividly. Dayjur looked like a winner only to jump a shadow close home. Safely Kept took advantage to land the prize. Dayjur, by Danzig is out of Gold Beauty by Mr Prospector. Dayjur was pensioned last year.
I spoke to Sultan Singh at Sohna Stud Farm early Thursday. He confirmed my impression that Boiling River (USA) did not race. Her stock, without question, has now gone up considerably after Becket's going-away win in the Bangalore Derby.
Trainer Padmabhan is a great raconteur. He was able to spend a few minutes with me. “Becket and Versaki came as a package. Becket, from day one, was fragile. He was temperamental. I loved his looks and I was able, fortunately, to sense his potential. Good horses have to be trained and developed and that is the high point in my business. Fans will remember when a band spooked my colt. He had a hoof infection. It was quite serious. A farrier(*) had to be brought from Switzerland. The treatment was successful. There was another problem. Becket suffered bruises while being exercised. It is a long list but I did not lose hope. I kept plugging away and here we are,” he said.
“The one thing, Tom, I want fans to know is this. Until five weeks ago, I had a colt who could hardly walk. His racing prospects were far from bright. In this span, he has won two races including the Bangalore Derby. It’s the ultimate tribute to my colt,” Padmanabhan continued.
I wanted to know what the next race for Becket is. “Tom, my mind is made up. On Tuesday, we will ship Becket to Mumbai. The Derby there is what I want to win. It is one race that continues to elude me. It’s a daunting task but I strongly think my colt has a lot more to offer. He will have three runs in quick succession and he’s up to it now,” averred the sartorially perfect training maestro.
I chatted with David Allan. “Why don’t you come north (England) and see me next time you’re there? I had a good horse. Staying in the clear was not a concern at all, “Allan commented.
I mentioned to Allan I had made a winning wager on Lost In Paris, a winner he had in October last year. “That horse does not win often but I’m happy you caught him in the right race,” Allan quipped.
Richard Hughes is a friendly guy. It is easy to strike up a conversation with him. “Yes, I am on fire in India. I enjoy these visits. Jacqueline is making it all special,” Hughes began.
The talk turned to the Oaks and the Derby. “There was not much to worry about in the Oaks. The Derby is going to be tough. Any racehorse, every time you go to the bottom of the well, you have to think about the next race. Especially when it’s a filly, one has to be extra careful. Jacqueline has been unbelievable but I do not take anything for granted.”
“Yes, I am flying to England and will be back for the Mumbai Derby. I had a week-long vacation in Barbados,” Richard said.
“You are only 8-1 to win the 2010 British riding title,“ I reminded Richard.
“Ryan (Moore) is too good,” Hughes concluded.
In 2009, Padmanabhan and jockey Allan combined skills to win the Bangalore Derby with Icebreaker. Now, it is time to raise the bar. I can hardly wait for the first Sunday in February.
* A farrier is a noun and a word of British origin. In essence, it is the job of a blacksmith. A farrier, however, is a specialist in the care of equine hooves. If necessary, he trims and shapes the hoof and ensures proper balancing of the hoof when the shoes are put on.
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