One of the best in business and one, who provided a new dimension to the sport in India, S Padmanabhan (71) after playing a classic innings, passed away in Bengaluru on Sunday. Lovingly known as Paddy, the top trainer, who to his credit led in 1000 including 100 classic winners at all the premier Indian racing centres loved to compete and beat the best at the highest level. A true blue professional Paddy catapulted to fame: In The Spotlight, Desert God, Becket, Zurbaran and Hall Of Famer providing the champion trainer, exclusive entry into the Hall Of Fame.

After making a sedate start, Padmanabhan stormed into the big circle, the Feroz Khan-owned Winning Pretty putting the legendary schooler on the high road and from then on it proved to be one run for the roses for the top pro, who was rated high by most top international `Knights' including Richard Hughes, Martin Dwyer and David Allan, who produced his best on the champions under the care of the master. David Allan while pointing out that Padmanabhan was in a class of his own, made no secret of his opinion that the master's preparation of his wards for the big classic events is what separated him from the rest. In the elite 100 classic league, Padmanabhan was only the third champion after the legendary Rashid Byramji and the all time great Aris David. Padmanabhan always lauded the efforts of the two greats while slowly, yet surely climbing up the classic ladder. The top pro, it is needless to mention was a star performer on the Indian racing circuit,  top horses under his care galloping to fame, while Paddy scaled a new high on the classic scene.

Paddy loved to travel and while travelling to United Kingdom and Europe the pro made time to visit the best stud farms and meet the top international pros, learning the finer points of the game from the international legends, be it Henry Cecil, Frankel fame and the French All Time Great, Andre Fabre, who to his credit won 30 French championships.

Paddy's wife Sharmila Padmanabhan, who loved the sport and helped her husband in his stable management, travel and more importantly playing the lead support role at home chose to never interfere in the training aspects, making it clear that training is his job and that he is the best. Sharmila was a big support when the chips were down helping her husband relax and stay calm, assuring the champion that the bad patches in the sport don't last too long with the top performers.  

The biggest money-spinner in the annals of Indian racing, Desert God's victories in the Indian Derby at Mahalaxmi (Mumbai)  followed by the Indian Turf Invitation success at Chennai was truely the high point in the champion's distinguished career. Training apart, Padmanabhan donned many hats, knowledgeable bloodstock agent before he played a stellar role in the graduation of Karnataka Trainers Association (KTA) and the Karnataka Racehorse.

Owners Association (KROA). Most trainers at KTA are of the view that Padmanabhan was always looking to up his game, but at the same time readily offering tips to the many young trainers, who respected the man on a mission. The youngsters loved chatting up with the man, pretty sure the master would educate them with the right lessons, so important to make a successful career in this sport.