Pesi Shroff’s Derby,as rider or trainer

Between starting his career as a 16-year-old in 1981 and hanging up his boots in October 2004,Shroff won 19 jockey championships with over 1,700-plus winners including 100-plus Classic wins. That is why,when he applied for a training licence in 2004,the Royal Western India Turf Club had no hesitation,sparing him even the otherwise mandatory apprenticeship,saying he already had the required understanding of the thoroughbreds.

Their judgment was not wrong. Within two years,Shroff had nearly 50 horses in training; today,he has almost 100. On his part,Shroff also justified the authorities’ faith with three trainers’ championships in the last five years.

And on Sunday,he added the most prestigious silverware missing from his cabinet.

“Yes he has exceptional horse sense,” said veteran trainer Imtiaz Sait,for whom Shroff had won the Indian Derby riding Exhiliration in 1989. “He is also blessed with some good horses but he works really hard and has an eye for detail. That’s what makes him special.”

The Derby crown could have come last year but his Set Alight failed to justify the favourite’s tag. That shock did not bog him down. “He was very cool yesterday night and even slept well,” said his wife Tina.

The media-shy Shroff was modest as ever. “I’m fortunate to have a filly like Jacqueline. She is a great filly and full credit goes to her,” Shroff said.