It was destined to happen in the city of nawabs. And the chote nawab did it in resplendent style. The champion recorded his epic 2000 winners feat on Guiding Force at Malakpet (Hyderabad) on Monday and the Hyderabadi racing buffs loved it. It was a place Suraj Narredu booted home his first classic winner Coral Gables in 2003, a year after he started to don silks and his 66th astride Paso Robles. The champion loves the Malakpet track and after his record effort would have loved to take a portion of the track home.

The many home fans of the top gun, who wanted Suraj to boot home his record winner at his home town Bengaluru, a trifle disappointed quickly cheered the effort of the champion the moment Suraj flashed the post astride Guiding Force. Now it just didn't matter where it was posted nor who won or lost out in the penultimate event on the red-letter day. Suraj's accomplished mission was the talking point in all the coffee shops,unfortunately the restro bars were closed as it was counting day of the Bypolls.but the  Bengaluru racing buffs were yet on a high that the  local hero had made them all proud while at the Narredu home it was time for song and dance all night long. 
 
From his maiden success in his first season on Anjaam in 2002 to Guiding Force, it has proved to be one good run for the roses for the champion, only the second Indian jockey after B Prakash to make the elite 2000 Club. "It has been one long successful journey and all credit to my parents, uncle Mallesh, brother Rajesh and my wife Riya who have been a part of the journey, extending encouragement and support when the chips are down and enjoying and being a part of celebrations each time I crossed a big milestone. " said Suraj Narredu. 

The star performer who to his credit has booted home 66 classic winners including 15 Derby victories in all the premier racing centres rates his victory on Be Safe in the Mumbai Indian Derby, the best in his illustrious career. "I had won the blue riband event at all the centres, but the Indian Derby success was eluding me. In 2005, 13 years after I started to ride I got a chance to partner Be Safe in the Indian Derby and I won biggest event in the indian racing calendar  without using the whip," said Suraj.adding that his father Satish Narredu had won the mega event on Amazing Bay in 1996, also without picking up the stick.   

The champion of champions who has successfully made his presence felt against the best international saddle artistes,booting home winners in Malaysia, Mauritius, Macau.and America revealed that the top Indian riders can easily match skills with the best in the business around the world. "Most foreign riders who have come down including Richard Hughes who was the darling of the railbirds at Mumbai have revealed that the best talent in India can successfully guide the fortunes of best horses, be it in the United Kingdom, France, Americal and Australia," said Suraj. 

When asked about the talk doing rounds in the racing circles that he would call it quits and start a fresh innings as trainer in Hyderabad, the champion of champions shot back: "It is only a rumour. I'm fighting fit and I will continue to parade my skills. I have no plans to become a trainer and I'm happy getting a leg-up and displaying my saddle artistry," said Suraj adding that all this would not have been possible without the support of trainers and owners at all the premier racing centres who trusted his skills and provided the support to catapult to fame.