Little did he know that his fondness for horses would one day pitch him in the field of the Royal sport of horseracing. He had pursued his interest in show-jumping – an equestrian fine-art mastered by a chosen few and excelled in it at the national level. 

With the horseman in him emerging early and steadily, his hunger and dedication to acquire in-depth knowledge in thoroughbred racing led him to England for a stint to harness his skills and pave way for his inner passion to blossom. Equipped with sound understanding of the sport coupled with youthful enthusiasm, LVR Deshmukh achieved his first goal of getting the trainers’ license in his early twenties. Success was instant, but so were the hurdles. Being a private trainer meant sole dependence and when the partnership snapped, it was a personal catastrophe of sorts. Left with less than the minimum number of horses required, Deshmukh was in the wilderness for four crucial years. He had to start all over again, perhaps his most trying times to date. Such adversities either make or break you. Deshmukh braved it all and started to rebuild, brick by brick. Sheer belief and perseverance slowly started to sprout new options leading to a grand revival. Deshmukh’s rise was steady thereafter and from regional success his conquests spread across other turf centres in the country. Ticking off with his first success in 1995, Deshmukh led-in his 1000th winner on the 26th of November 2018, when his charge Egyptian Prince returned victorious. Incidentally, Deshmukh marched through the eight-event card on his big day, leading in five winners, thus raking in a memorable moment on a glorious day.

In a brief chat with indiarace.com, Deshmukh is evidently modest, prefers to keep a low-profile and says he believes in the cliché – You-are-as-good-as-your-last-winner!  

Indiarace:  Congratulations on achieving this grand success (1000-winner landmark) and what a remarkable day you have had on the 26th of November 2018.

LVR Deshmukh: Thank you, it is indeed pleasing. Yes, the run of success really marked the day for me. It was most satisfying.

IR: How did your interest in racing start?

LVR: I was always fascinated with horses from the time I remember. I used to ride horses as a child. I was drawn to the equestrian sports. I participated in show jumping and a three-day eventing at national level was memorable. I used to ride for Andhra Pradesh NCC. So the interest in horses had been kindled since my childhood. Much later, I got an opportunity of going to England to do management of horses where I fell in love with horseracing. There was no looking back ever since. I was fascinated and hooked to the sport there and then!

IR: When did you get your trainer’s license? 

LVR: I got my trainers’ license on the 1st of May 1995.

IR:  Well, was it all smooth sailing right from the outset?

LVR: Oh yes, I had an ideal start. I saddled a winner first up, right on debut. The first taste of victory was real sweet and quick too.

IR:  How do you see your performance over the years?

LVR: As any professional, I had my share of ups and downs. I think one learns with each passing year, there is so much to learn. The joy is from learning constantly and improving with the times. On the whole I feel that I have had a successful career until now. I have far less regrets and a lot to feel happy about when I look back on my career.

IR: What difference do you see in the modern day as compared to when you started?

LVR: The racing has been steadily improving, breeding has improved dramatically. The quality of horses has seen a huge upsurge and generally the overall competitiveness has grown immensely. The basics are more-or-less the same. The quality of feed now available is of high quality. Modern equipment such as the treadmill for horses has gained in popularity as well. So yes, there have been several changes to the better.

IR: It all boils down to the race track. How do you react to wins and losses?

LVR: As trainers we first need to learn to take winning or losing in our stride and with true sportsman spirit. At the end of the day it is a sport. Winning gives you a real high, but if things don’t go your way, you need to gulp it down and move on. Yes, some low moments sting you a bit more than it should, but then there is no point lamenting over the negatives that you can’t change. 

IR: If there is one thing you wish to change from your past, what would it be?

LVR: I wouldn't want to change anything because I am very fortunate to get good horses consistently. I have good and understanding owners who are knowledgeable and supportive. I feel fortunate to have a good team of loyal and dedicated staff members who are a core part of my successful career. What more can one ask for?

IR: How long did you have to wait before achieving your first success and which was the horse & rider?

LVR: I didn't have to wait too long. Like I said, the first horse I saddled on the first day of monsoon racing was a winner, Rank Contender ridden by R J Hannam.

IR: What were the hurdles you faced along the way?

LVR: I started my career as a private trainer, after two years the owners left me. I was left with only six horses. From there on began a struggle to keep going for the next four years. Those four years were full of anxiety. The family support that came by was reassuring and that kept me going. I had to strengthen my self-belief and persist with my passion under any circumstances. I went through the grind, had my moments of stress, but carried on relentlessly, knowing I would bounce back. You got to back yourself when the chips are down. Things do work out eventually if you persevere honestly.

IR: How has been the family support with your hectic and the need-to-be- ever-alert profession?

LVR: I wouldn't have been what I am without my wife Aarti's support. She has been my backbone, supporting me and my family. My entire family has been very supportive. Such kind of family backing is most crucial, especially in times when things are not going well. I am fortunate on that count, blessed with a family that stands along at all times.

IR: When did the first Classic success come?

LVR: Red Orchid was my first classic winner.

IR: How is your strike rate in the Classics?

LVR: I would have loved to pick a lot more Classics, I have gone close in several big races, but as of now I have 21 Classics in my kitty.

IR: How do you keep updated with the speed at which horseracing is evolving?

LVR: Other than Indian Racing and breeding, I follow a lot of American & European Racing & breeding as well. When I travel I make it a point to talk to senior professionals and they have so much wisdom to impart. I think I have benefitted considerably with some of these conversations that I have had in the past.

IR: List your best and not-so-good moments in racing.

LVR: Best moments - When Tintinnabulation won the Invitation Cup in Kolkata, that was a real high moment, one of my best and most cherished experiences. As for the not so good moment, seeing Red Orchid lose the Invitation Cup in Mumbai. I still feel that it was because of the jockey's fault.

IR: Your best trainer-jockey relationship?

LVR: Oh there have been several jockeys who I have had a good equation with. But if I am to name one combination, it would have to be LVR Deshmukh – PS Chouhan. We have had some amazing successes together.

IR: What is the main thing that your profession has taught you?

LVR: You are as good as your last winner. This is so true. All the good work can go out of the window if things go wrong even briefly. However, it all squares up the moment your next horse wins. It is an on-going cycle.

IR: What would LVR be if not a horse trainer?

LVR: Agriculturist, without doubt. I am a nature loving man and attracted to open spaces. Farming would be a good alternative for me. Nevertheless, I love my horses and I am thankful to the powers that be for keeping me alive with my passion for horses.

IR: Do you pursue any other sport as well, playing or following?

LVR: Tennis. I don’t play the game now, but I am a keen follower of the game.

IR: Do you have any idols among the racing pros?

LVR: Oh yes, legendary trainer RR Byramji and Irish trainer John Oxx. They are true horsemen and thier immense depth of knowledge is what makes them stand out.  

IR: What is your message to aspiring trainers?

LVR: Well, the most important thing is to broaden the vision and learn every little aspect of horseracing. Be sincere to your job; learn to possess the eye for every small detail with regard to the horses. Understanding the horses is equally important. If you do the basic things right, success will follow.