A true blue professional, top gun Subbiah Ganapathy, a master of his craft has decided to call it a day. The affable trainer, who put India on the International racing map following  the legendary Mystical's double strike in the Dubai Racing Carnival in 2007, Ganapathy's illustrious journey, from leading in his first winner, Sandawar in his first season (2000) to hanging up his boots 25 years later after leading in 945 winners including 25 Derby victories and four top-draw performances in the Indian Turf Invitation Cup is exemplary. His only mantra for success was hard work and he simply believed that there was no substitute for hard work. The 3-D approach, dedication, devotion and determination he adopted, brought him fame. 

An unassuming professional, Ganapathy revealed that he enjoyed every moment in his career, be it leading in a classic winner and staying calm and composed when the chips are down. Understanding that patience pays in this sport, the celebrated trainer provided the required time and space for the quality horses under his care to develop before they put their best stride forward and galloped to fame.    

"I saddled my first winner, Sandawar in my first season. And after the dream start there was no looking back. I emerged the champion trainer with 44 winners in the season and this provided a shot in the arm," said Ganapathy adding that after starting with a big-bang he won the champion trainer title, both in the summer and winter season for seven consecutive years. 

Starting as a private trainer to the legendary owner Dr MAM Ramaswamy,  popularly known as MAM, Ganapathy quickly climbed up the ladder and  was a force to reckon with in the Indian racing, winning all the major plums at all the premier racing centres. "My boss trusted me with the quality stock he procured from the top breeding farms, Poonawalla, Usha and Kunigal and I worked hard and obtained the desired results," said Ganapathy adding that MAM Ramaswamy was a guiding force all through his classic journey. "He was the Lord And Master of the game. He had an eye for the horses and he picked the best from all the top farms and that made it easy for all his trainers in all the top racing centres," said Ganapathy.   

Ganapathy disclosed that Dr Ramaswamy apart, top administrator and head of the famed Poonawalla Stud Farm, Zavaray Poonawalla, who was a dear friend of MAM, AC Muthiah, all the trainers across the country and many dynamic administrators played a stellar role in his graduation to the elite league. 

"Zavaray provided me the biggest chance, asking me to take Mystical, arguably the best horse in the Indian racing history to compete in Dubai and Mystical made history, winning twice at Dubai and I emerged the first Indian trainer to win in the Dubai Racing Carnival," said Ganapathy unable to hide his emotions in a "High-Tea with a Star" session at the Bangalore Turf Club on Thursday.  His long time friend and racing enthusiast Ramlingam while pointing out that it was his humble approach which separated him from the rest was of the opinion that the man had called it right. 

"It can't get better. Calling it quits on a day Zavaray is sponsoring the blue riband at BTC on Sunday," signed off Ganapathy pointing out that his wife Prema Ganapathy also played a leading role providing the support and encouragement to keep him going in the demanding high-tension sport.

List of the classic achievements of the Legendary Hall Of Fame trainer.

Subbaiah Ganapathy gained license to train horses in 2000 winter season.

5-11-2000: Led in his first winner Sandawar. 

6-01-2001: First classic winner Fantastic Belle in the Bangalore Oaks 

End of first season in 2001 Ganapathy emerged Champion trainer with 44 winners to his credit. 

In the next seven years he bagged the champion trainer title, both in Summer and winter season. 

In his first season as a trainer he won the Poonawalla Breeders Multi-Million, the richest race for juveniles held in Mumbai. 

He in total has five winners in the Poonawalla Breeders Multi-Million

Ganapathy in 2002 saddled 44 winners in the Bangalore summer season, a feat unmatched to date.

Derby victories: 25.

Indian Turf Invitation Cup: 4

1000 Guineas: 18

2000 Guineas: 16

Oaks: 12

St.Leger: 8

Fillies Trial Stakes: 9 

Colts Trial Stakes: 6   

Total number of winners in his silver Jubilee innings from November 2000 to July 13, 2025:  945.