Adjectives fall short for the praiseworthy manner in which Be Safe (Holy Roman Emperor – Oriental Lady, Hazara Stud) achieved the feat of winning the Signature Indian Derby (Gr1), faster than any horse ever has in the land. The pundits, finally, were proved right in the Indian Derby.  After a really long time did they get the pleasure of uttering “I told you so.” Hot favorites had bitten the dust on so many occasions in the past, for decades. Then there was the illogical theory about the so called jinx of the Ruia cup. All those irrational tenets came to a knot, as Be Safe blew them all away in a spectacular show of sheer talent and genuine horsepower. He proved it, that such assumptions are a myth driven by the lesser mortals.

Be Safe had garnered universal acclaim from all and sundry that he was far superior to the rest of the year’s crop. He proved it to the hilt, without actually having to work too hard. For Be Safe, it was another day at the office! Such was the ease with which Be Safe shattered the course record and his opponents for the biggest crown and the richest race of the land! The strong 25000 plus that assembled in the Grand Stands gave Be Safe a standing ovation as he triumphantly trotted back to the unsaddling enclosure amidst the regular ‘floral tribute’ reserved for the champions of the turf.

The famous roar from the crowd was deafening as the gates flung open and thirteen four-year-olds jumped out of the gates, each attempting to snatch the position of choice. Shivalik Showers quickly surged to the front to dictate a true pace for the race. The General hurried through the field to sit on the tail of the leader along with Illidan. Top Commander too made a rush to be a part of the front-running quartet . Jockey Suraj Narredu settled Be Safe close behind the front-bunch in fifth. Tiger Tops was next, jockey Colm O’ Donoghue keeping tabs on Be Safe. Quasar and Bold Majesty kept each other company, followed by Aquamarine and the rest all through the backstretch.

“I had a lot of horse under me with about four furlongs still to go and Be Safe was travelling beautifully,” said Suraj post the presentation. “At that stage, I was already excited and confident. I was also surprised that Tiger Tops and Quasar were not in front of me. Nothing mattered really, as Be Safe was right on course to achieve another big success and that moment was just around the corner.”

Suraj had to ensure that he was not inconvenienced by Shivalik Showers and Illidan in particular as they were tiring and slowing down. Suraj gently steered Be Safe to the outer lane, still moving on the bit asking Be Safe not to hurry off just as yet. This is when Aquamarine slipped in through the rails, and Tiger Tops was being vigorously ridden out, Colm O’Donoghue stepping on it with all his might. Jockey YS Srinath produced Quasar into the fighting line, bracing for the final assault.

Be Safe however, was in a different league altogether. He picked up speed and was instantly off, still on cruise mode as he rocketed to the front with giant strides. He was clear in no time and bounded forward to pull off a sensational victory to the admiration of all and sundry. Be Safe romped home by a widening four-and-half lengths and stamping his own record of an impressive 2:27:71 chipping off more than half a second off Alaindair’s 2:28:05. Truly a stupendous feat indeed!

It was the first Indian Derby success for both trainer Malesh Narredu and jockey Suraj. They soaked in the moment beaming all the way back. Almost everyone rushed to congratulate them. Even rival pros acknowledged the achievement and gracefully offered genuine ‘well-done’ thumping on the back. Trainer Pesi Shroff an arch rival and old foe, was seen hugging Malesh warmly muttering congratulatory words and pushing in a few unmentionables as well – all in good spirits though! Both laughed out loud together and this was a sight to behold. Whatever the rivalry, off the track and after the event, it ought to end in admiration for the other’s successes. This was a perfect example of mutual respect between thorough professionals.

It took an effort to get access to Suraj Narredu. “These are the moments one would eternally cherish,” said Suraj. All thanks to Be Safe. Although it’s hard meticulous task in preparing horses, it is the horse ultimately who brings glory to us. They are the real stars. I have always maintained that Be Safe is the best I have ridden. He proved it right and I don’t think I will ever change that opinion. He did everything himself as he knew what was required right through the race. Had I known this earlier, I may have left my whip in the jockey’s room,” joked Suraj.

“It is a Red Letter Day for me,” quipped trainer Malesh Narredu. Indictment is the horse I always fondly recall, now I have two such champions etched to memory.  Be Safe is a rare specimen. I am blessed to have him in my stables. I thank ‘Boss’ (Dr MAM Ramaswamy) for entrusting the colt to my care. Honestly, Be Safe is almost human. It’s as if he understands things himself. He is relaxed all the time and even when turning out for a race as big as this one and walking through such massive crowd, Be Safe stays calm. If you notice, his body language is exceptionally positive. I secretly feel he knows he is a super star. I have been in this profession for three decades now and I have seen many champion horses. Be Safe is comparable to any of such champions,” opined Malesh. “I know this is clichéd, but I sincerely thank my entire team and acknowledge their efforts. I also thank each of my well-wishers, I received so many good wishes before the race and that is touching. Boss too is extremely supportive. He gave me a free hand in managing Be Safe and that’s a big advantage. I consider myself blessed and thank the Almighty for everything,” concluded Malesh.

The presentation ceremony was held across the grand stands as is done for the Signature Indian Derby. Dr Vijay Mallya along with award winning star Ms Kangana Ranaut and Mr KN Dhunjibhoy, Chairman RWITC, arrived in a grand Rolls Royce to the presentation podium. Dr MAM Ramaswamy was missed as Malesh received the glittering trophy on his behalf. 

“The Signature Indian Derby is an iconic race and I am delighted to be associated with this mega racing event for as many as three decades. It’s a joy to see the crowd support the Signature event and the mass appeal the Signature Indian Derby has received over the years. I extend my congratulations to the winning connections,” said Dr Mallya.

Mission Signature Indian Derby accomplished, Be Safe will now set sights on the Indian Turf Invitation Cup in exactly four weeks. Amazing Grace the wonder filly who matches the blazing success trail of Be Safe in terms of picking up races at will now has a stiff challenger to question her superiority. For the racing fraternity, this is another vociferous proposition seeing two greats lock horns, rather match strides. Will Amazing Grace’s reign be Safe?   For answers, show up at the Mahalaxmi racecourse on 1st of March 2015. This year’s Invitation Cup will be smokingggg!