There is something bizarre about human nature. A strange habit of remembering people after they are gone. The day he moves on into the next world, people crawl out of the woodwork, delivering Oscar worthy speeches about what an incredible person he was. Why can’t he be acknowledged while he was alive? Why become an exponent of the Art of saying too much too late. I mean let’s be honest – nobody wants to be the most popular person in the cemetery.

Aslam Kader, one of the greatest riders the country has seen, passed away on Thursday 9th October, 2025 after waging a gallant battle against cancer. He deserved every word of the eulogies and messages acknowledging his brilliance, but imagine the difference it would have made to him and his family had his achievements been acknowledged while he was alive and on an all-India stage.

We are blessed to still have a few jockeys and trainers of that stature around. Men who have retired from the game. Stepped away from the public eye and forgotten, until such time as they pass on. Why not consider honouring them while they are alive. it’s simple—people do not need your praises when they’re gone; they need your plaudits when they’re here. No one ever died from an overdose of accolades and attention.

Perhaps the Turf Authorities Of India could think of doing it on an All- India Platform like the Invitation Weekend – Awards Night. Select one jockey and one trainer from the past whose achievements speak for themselves. Invite them to attend and felicitate them for their records, remembering the innumerable times that they set the Turf alight. Show them they are remembered and not forgotten while they are with us and not after they have gone. A few names that spring to mind – M. Jagdish, Vasant Shinde, Richard Alford, Robin Corner, Sayeed S.Shah, Zareer Darashah.