"After 20 long years of racing, my appetite to win the big one was finally satisfied and it has taken me quite while to digest the fact that I too have joined the league of Derby winners. I consider myself very lucky to own these two outstanding colts and I am absolutely proud of their performance," exclaimed Rattonsey in zesty elation.
     Barely a month after winning the coveted Indian Derby, the excitement and expectations of a repeat performance were thwarted, when in spite of having the famous Dubai-import Dettori on board, Hotstepper failed to produce any magic in the Invitation Cup at Hyderabad. What went wrong? "May be the track or the travel didn't suit him. It could have been anything.'' Many questions that simply can't find any answers. "In racing, you have to take it in your stride," said Rattonsey pensively; and for the time being, Hotstepper will get the much deserved rest and will be unleashed by the time the rains hit the tracks in Pune.
     Having run four times, the improving Juventus has had his fair share of challenges. Starting his career as a two-year-old, he placed fourth to Red Romeo over six furlongs; then again over the same distance, couldn't make it to the winner's enclosure with Kiara taking the laurels. However, in the Poonawalla Breeders' Multi-Million, he finished on strongly in fourth, barely three lengths off the winner, Autonomy. But, it was in the Colts Championships that he made a stormy recovery and won the race brilliantly. "Juventus has all the qualities of a Classic horse. We're keeping our fingers crossed that he maintains his condition and keeps improving in the future," said a hopeful Rattonsey. Both, Hotstepper and Juventus will be horses to look out for come Pune 2008. Rattonsey also has other well bred horses which are capable of making an impact, but he feels it's too early to talk about their capabilities.
     Over time, the Rattonsey family has

been very active in the sport of horse racing. Basking in nostalgia, "Horse racing to me is a very thrilling sport, and to be able to study the book i pick a winner is something I enjoy thoroughly. My father was a regular race-goer and I followed in his foot-steps. My fatb uncle Sir Sultan Chinoy owned the Manjri Stud Farm which now belongs to Shapoor Mistry. My brother Farouq Rattons Mr. Hoosain Nensey and I decided to buy horses jointly. He racing is in my blood." An avid owner for over 20 years, it was wl brother Farouq owned the Kehelan Stud Farm that Rattom started taking interest in his horses.
     "I have to admit that my most memorable moment would be my first classic win when Twin Star won the Indian Oaks 1993. The most exciting however, has been the Indian Derby t year. Losing the Invitation Cup has been a big disappointment, so much in losing the race, as in the manner in which we lost il was a painful moment." He continues, "I remember a bittersweet incident when I had two horses running in the same race - Op and Noble Desire. We fancied Oprah. Our eyes were peeled Oprah throughout the race and Noble Desire came from now! and won the race. We only noticed him when he was almost at finish line. We were happy but amused at the turn of events."
     Every owner has a favourite, and Twin Star is justifiably for winning him his first classic. Rattonsey observes pedig before buying a horse, but believes that even horses from the 1 bloodlines can sometimes turn out to be duds. The seasoned ovs goes on, "I prefer to analyse the performance of a stallion and the foal physically before I decide to buy it. Flying Home has t a lucky mare for me and has produced very good foals s by Glory of Dancer viz. Frying Glory, Czarina, Hotstepper Juventus."
     A true veteran in racing, Rattonsey has had rr different trainers... Imtiaz Salt, S. S. Shah, Magan Singh Jo Bezan Chenoy, Pesi Shroff and S. Padmanabhan...but, the longest association

has been with long time trainer S. S. Shah, who is the trainer of both the bright highlighters - Hotstepper and Juvenilis. He races his horses mainly in Western India, leaving the reins in capable hands; "Various jockeys have ridden forme, bur. I feel Srinath stands out among the Indian jockeys because of his excellent judgement of die horse. Daniel Grant has proven to be good, and the evergreen Mick Kinanc who proved unbeatable in the sensational Derby win."
     Racing, according to him hasn't changed much over time. Owning and maintaining a horse as an individual owner is an expensive affair. The introduction of Syndicates is a positive move and it allows small owners to own a well-bred horse and compete with die big-timers. Needless to say it is fast catching on and die very fact that there are many syndicates today is proof of this. "What is really great is that if you win, you get the same thrill as an individual, and if you lose you have someone to share your sorrows with," he adds.
     Sunday brunches, mid-day daiquiris or a cold pint of beer; this accompanied with thoroughbreds pounding die turf should be what a clay at the races is all about. Enlightening change, Rattonsey suggests a brunch-like atmosphere with mobile totes and educative pamphlets for non-race

June-July 2008

goers, explaining to them the intricacies of the game, how to bet, handicaps, ratings, etc "It would definitely help if racing was given more positive media coverage. T.ive coverage would really boost the sport Non-race goers need to be guided around the racecourse feeling free to explore and enjoy and get involved in the exhilarating sport." he explains.
     His endiusiasm has already passed on to his two daughters, Mrs. Shaheen Panjwani and Mrs. Sabilia Rayani, who are joint owners of Hotsteppcr and Juventus, apart from many other horses; and his grandchildren are as keen to sec the action on die turf.
     The Royal Western India Turf Club has been for many; and certainly is for Rattonscy, the best race club in India. Me proclaims highly of the club saying, 'The aunosphcrc is lovely and the committee is working hard to ensure clean and fair racing I sincerely believe that if everyone continues to work as a team in harmony", the RWTI'C could rise to an international level in the racing world."
     To make it happen, we have to get die masses to realise that there is another sport besides cricket and that it is a great way to spend an afternoon. A more positive message should be propagated to attract prospective followers to the sport.