For the racing fraternity, he was in a league of his own. As an Industrialist, he matched the acumen of any modern day counterpart. A parliamentarian, one of the top industrialists, philanthropist and a gentleman to the core, Dr. MAM Ramaswamy lived a hectic life, but horses remained his passionate priority for the major part of his life. Dr. MAM will remain immortal for his humongous contribution not only to horse-racing, but also to the economy and humanity in general.

His achievements on the race track spanning over five decades are mind-boggling. Six Hundred Classic Trophies is an unbeatable record. The ‘Classsic’ journey started with Silver Jet in July, 1965 and the magical figure of 600 was achieved through Bold Command this September at Mysore. He also holds the unique achievement of winning all the Classic races in the country. He owned the largest String of horses and was given the first look by every stud farm across the country. In his hey days, he would personally visit various Stud farms with his vet in tow and pick horses on his own. That he had an eye to spot champions when they were yearlings is well known. 

Dr. MAM was an avid sportsman. He was an ardent tennis player and represented the erstwhile State of Madras. To complement being a proud owner of regal horses, he was also a polo player in his younger days. Dr. MAM last mounted one of his stunning steeds two decades ago.

Dr. MAM was the Proud President of the Indian Hockey Federation when India created history by winning the World cup for the first and only time at Kuala Lumpur in 1975. As always, he was a lion hearted host and the players enjoyed Dr. MAM’s 5 Star hospitality at Kuala Lumpur. India also won gold at the Moscow Olympics in 1980, during Dr.MAM’s stint as the President of the Indian Hockey Federation. “If he likes you, he will lavish not just money, but also his affection on you," says V.Baskaran, the Captain of the team that won the Olympics at Moscow. "And that is what endears him to his friends."

Dr. MAM - The undisputed turf mogul of India, was zealous about horse racing and was cognizant about each one of his horses.  Being a great judge of horses, he constantly monitored their performance and always kept himself updated. With his trademark lucky shirt and tie, Dr. MAM was always seen cheering each one of his horses at the race track.

Dr. MAM, once expressed, “I am personally happy and content to live the way I do, surrounded by friends and loyal servants who have been with our family through thick and thin." He was a man with deeply entrenched Chettiar values and treated his house helps as extended family. He was “Aiyah” to all his people. An old family help once said, "Aiyah has never said no to the people close to him. If you are in need, he will recognise it before you even think of asking for help.” He was a man of compassion and was always there to help people around him.

Dr. MAM loved to travel at all the racing venues year after year. The crowd applauded his victories whenever he took his authoritative walk to receive the various trophies innumerable times. He would never miss out on mentioning the contribution of his trainers, jockeys and even the stable staff in his post race comments. That he rewarded the entire stable hands generously in cash and kind was well known. Victory mattered to him the most, never the stakes.

The last couple of years DR MAM’s health went on a decline and he refrained from travelling although he would watch races – all centres – from his palatial residence. His enthusiasm never waned and he actively spoke to his various trainers and jockeys planning strategies for further success. He was utmost satisfied when the 600th Classic winner came by as that was a mark he was keen to reach.

His condition however, deteriorated in mid November and he was rushed to the Fortis Malar Hospital where he was diagnosed for liver and kidney ailments and was under treatment in the ICU. He breathed his last on Wednesday, 2nd December at 4 10 p.m. leaving behind a void that can never be filled.

Dr. MAM was a man who chose to live life on his own terms. Dr. MAM once said, "All I want to do is to live and die peacefully and to not hurt anyone." It is needless to say that without him the mansion on the Adyar estuary in Chennai will seem like a fragmentary puzzle with its last block missing. That aura can never fade and Boss’s presence shall always be felt.