Pesi Shroff, Ace Jockey turned Champion Trainer is not unduly disappointed on Czar Alexander’s under-par performance in the just concluded Nanoli Stud Pune Derby last Sunday.  Looking relaxed, the record eight times Indian Derby Winner, frankly discussed his assessment of the Race and issues concerning International Racing. In an exclusive chat with our correspondent this is what he had to say:

IRDC: Was the Derby failure of Czar Alexander a big disappointment?

Pesi Shroff:  If any of my horse runs below form it is disappointing. In the Derby Czar Alexander was expected to give a good account of him-self, but somehow he could not live up to that expectation. Having said that, in every failure there is lots to learn from. It’s a learning curve. But I must hand it to Gobelin, who ran a brilliant Race.

IRDC: Everyone gets wiser after the event, what’s your post Race assessment?

Pesi Shroff:  Well, there were a few pointers. You see, basically my horse prefers to settle at the back, he did not get to do it. The horses that were up in front finished 4th, 5th and second last. I had told the Jockey (C. Alford) that even if he was at the rear end initially, it was okay. However, in a Race, the Jockey knows best. Czar Alexander was too keen and the jockey didn’t want to risk disturbing his rhythm and allowed him to run as he did. The Derby is a difficult race to ride in and one goes with the split second instinct.

I must also mention here that Czar Alexander got kicked on his left shoulder at the starting gates by Alvida. A blow like that can be unsettling!

IRDC: Is it a fact that Czar Alexander suffered a fall a few days before the Derby? If so, did it, in any way put a spoke in his Derby preparations?

Pesi Shroff: Czar Alexander threw his jockey a fortnight before the big race. He bolted away, slipped and fell. I gave him 2 days off after the incident because he had some cuts and bruises. No medication, however, was required. I don’t think this fall had in any way an impact on his running in the Derby. He was well prepared.

IRDC: How do you look at his prospects at Mahalaxmi?

Pesi Shroff: I am very optimistic. He is a got-abroad. His Sire Swain, has a very good track record and was partnered by the legend Frankie Dettori! I still have very high expectations from Czar Alexander. There could be two reasons which may have upset him.1) He may have been affected by a climatic stress as it suddenly got hotter in Pune. 2) I think he ran a little too freely to my liking. I am certain though, that Czar Alexander should go the distance. I don’t doubt his staying prowess.

IRDC:  Let’s Switch to the International Scenario. Indian Racing is breaking its Domestic Shackles & many are of the view that it won’t be long before our horses to do well on International Turf. Do you think we are really catching up with our counterparts overseas?

Pesi Shroff: I think there is a lot of work to do before we can really make our presence felt on the International front. First of all, do our breeders really have the confidence and are open to International competition? Will the breeders lobby allow foreign horses to compete in our Indian racing? That would be the first step. Allow foreign horses to Race in India. Then we are on course to really test ourselves if we measure up to International standards. There should be the will & conviction to do it. This is the most genuine yardstick. Do we have the gumption to do it?
   
IRDC: Saddle-up, Astonish, Adler, Mystical…have all won on foreign soil and more names are adding to the list. Do you see any talent in the current crop that will make it big?

Pesi Shroff: It was a proud moment when Saddle-up first tasted victory on foreign Turf. Astonish, Adler & more recently Mystical has done us proud too! But these successes have been few and far between. The current crop is still peaking and there are a few interesting prospects. The way he is shaping up, Bourbone King definitely has it in him to go right up there. He is looking good and improving. The end of Mumbai season will throw a clearer picture.

IRDC: Do these performances Augur well for Indian Bred Horses? Will it open doors for overseas owners to do Commerce with Indian breeders?

Pesi Shroff: You are asking the wrong person. The Breeders would be the best to answer that one.

IRDC: Which is the potential Turf where Indian Bred Horses would sell well?

Pesi Shroff: Asian region is where we should initially promote our Indian horses. Hong-Kong, Dubai, Abu Dabi, even China is opening up a huge potential. If we succeed well here, then who knows, racing is around the globe!

IRDC: Many foreign Jockeys are invited to ride in India. What’s the score on our Jockeys riding abroad?

Pesi Shroff: In England & Ireland, Indian work Jockeys are the most sought after. We have a number of our boys who are professional work riders there. My stable Jockey C. Ruzaan is currently riding in Canada. So, the opportunities are there…

IRDC: What has been your International experience?

Pesi Shroff: I have ridden in Australia, Japan, Nairobi & Bahrain. It was an enjoyable experience. I won in Bahrain & Nairobi and in Australia & Japan…I ran close.

IRDC: A final question, do you ever miss your riding days?

Pesi Shroff: (Smiles), I enjoyed every moment as a Jockey. I must say that I was blessed with a satisfying, long stint.  That phase is now history. I am now concentrating on training and that’s where my focus remains. There is a lot of work ahead if I have to match my success as a Jockey, in training and I intend to do just that!!!