Behind the scene: No horsing around at the Mumbai derby

There's no horsing around when it comes to Mumbai Derby. "With the onset of winters, classic races are up for grabs and my primary focus is to remain light-weight," shares Suraj Narredu - the city-based jockey with a track record of 2290 wins, including 90 classics.

Mumbai's horse racing season commences in November and goes on till April featuring India's top five classic races. To win them, being heavy is a no-go for Narredu; who's gearing up for the upcoming titles: the Indian Derby, the 1000 Guineas Race, the 2000 Guineas Race, the Oaks Race and the St Leger Race.

Held annually at Mahalaxmi Racecourse on the first Sunday of February, the Great Indian Derby emerges as the most prestigious Indian horse race event, drawing pomp and glamour in the company of debonair dignitaries, bettors and spectators alike.

Gearing up for the races
Subhag Kamat (48) has been training racehorses at Mumbai's turf club. He has been employing a combination of sprint exercises, endurance training and practice races to enhance their speed and resistance, ensuring they are well-prepared for the demands of the racetrack.

"Horses are not merely athletes; they are cherished companions whose care involves a comprehensive routine," outlines Kamat. His role entails overseeing staff responsible for feeding, grooming and maintaining the horses' health.

A crucial component of their diet is oats, a concentrated feed rich in nutrients. Additionally, horses graze on grass hay throughout the day, promoting optimal nutrition and digestive health. Kamat stresses that racehorses require high nutritional foods to withstand rigorous physical conditioning and specialised workouts.

The preparation of horses extends beyond the stables to the climate considerations of the race location. In the case of Mumbai, where the races thrive from November to April, horses are strategically brought in during the city's best weather months. Their sensitivity to weather conditions underscores the importance of providing them with an environment conducive to peak performance.

Alternatively, Narredu has been training for the races precisely four times a week to attain his pinnacle form and coordination with his Thoroughbred. When quizzed on his training regime, he tells Midday: "My focus is on the big horses and big races. Hence, I try to partake in selective races to avoid mishaps and injuries that may affect my performance."

Jockeys engage in a high-risk sport where even a minor setback poses the potential of sidelining them from the major races they've dedicated years preparing for. Consequently, they must maintain their weight in the range of 50-55 kilograms to maximise the horse's speed and performance.

Engaged in continuous competition, jockeys endure the physical demands of the sport while risking their lives in the pursuit of victory. The symbiotic relationship between horse and jockey comes to fruition through the dedication invested by both, creating the electrifying spectacle witnessed on race day.

Adapting to varied riding styles
In the dynamic world of horse racing, the strategy extends beyond the track, involving careful planning and collaboration between jockeys, trainers and owners. Jockey Narredu sheds light on the intricacies of this process, stating, "We work with these horses in the morning, trying to gauge their running style in the races - whether they are front runners or prefer coming from behind. We assess their preferences and dislikes in a race."

Narredu emphasises the adaptability of riding styles, explaining, "Yes, we tweak our riding style accordingly to suit the horse." He underscores the importance of strategic planning, stating, "Every big race has a plan, a strategy. Whether it works or not is secondary, but we go in with a plan. We analyse the competition and plan how we intend to ride our horse."

The dynamics involve a thorough understanding of the horse's strengths and studying the competition and race dynamics. He shares, "It's mostly about the strength of your horse, but you also need to know your competition. We study the race, analyse our draw and decide whether to lead or take a lead from a good inner draw, which plays a crucial role."

Collaboration is key in this process. He notes, "We work as a team with the trainer, the owner and the riders who work with the horses in the morning. We gather their insights and eventually plan a race that we believe could work."

However, he acknowledges the spontaneous nature of racing, stating, "There are a lot of decisions that you need to make spontaneously according to the circumstances of the race. If your horse has not jumped well, you go to plan B and try to give the horse the best chance in the race." In essence, successful racing involves a dynamic blend of careful planning and quick decision-making on the track.

The only breed - Thoroughbred
"The sport of horse racing in Mumbai, as around the world, is primarily conducted with a single breed known as the Thoroughbred," informs Kamat. Owing to their speed, agility and stamina - Thoroughbreds are the best pick for competitive racing.

The history of Thoroughbred racing in Mumbai goes back to the colonial era when the British introduced this magnificent breed to the Indian racing scene. Time stands as a testimony to the prowess of these Thoroughbreds, witnessed at Mahalaxmi for decades.

The significance of these horses in Mumbai's racing event extends beyond its sporting aspect, influencing social and cultural dimensions. Offering a thrilling spectacle attended by celebrities and racing enthusiasts - the Thoroughbred tradition reflects a rich history, combining British influences with the vibrancy of Indian culture.

The Great Indian Derby
This day-long pageantry taking place on February 4 is a dazzling extravaganza that will see participation from India's premier horses and veteran jockeys. Attendees revel in the thrill of witnessing 360 kilograms of pure muscle mass bolting its way through a 2400-metre race track, towards the ultimate victory.

"The winner of the Indian Derby takes home Rs 1.5 crore," informs Anit Casyab, deputy general manager for marketing and commentator at the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC). The laurels go to the horse owner as the winner, securing 10 per cent of the winnings for the trainer and 7.5 per cent for the jockey. The race, spanning less than 2 minutes, immerses spectators in a euphoric thrill sparked by the synchronised thudding of hooves.

HPSL, also known as Hoss Premier Super League, has recently joined as a sponsor for the prestigious Indian Derby. Consequently, the event will now be officially titled the HPSL Indian Derby, Grade 1. Notably, they are set to draw attention from both Bollywood and South Indian celebrities, enhancing the star-studded atmosphere during the Indian Derby weekend, adds Casyab.

The collaboration with HPSL brings additional excitement to the event, with various prizes up for grabs. The Bombay Parade is organising a free market and a substantial jackpot, reaching approximately one crore, will be part of the offerings.

Participants also have the chance to win prizes by predicting the top three finishers in the Indian Derby, with potential winnings of up to 10 lakh. This initiative by the club aims to attract a more diverse audience, particularly encouraging younger individuals to engage in horse racing and relish a day at the races.