Call it coincidence, tryst with destiny or simply the Richard Hughes Phenomenon. He did it on that fateful Sunday — the sixth of February — back in year 2000. And he did it again this time. For exactly a decade and a day, the McDowell Signature Indian Derby was branded the Waterloo of favourites. Not anymore.
It may be recalled that the last public choice to have landed the riches at the blue ribbon event was MAM Ramaswamy-owned Smart Chieftan. Exactly 10 years on, the Dublin-born jockey, this time mounted on Pesi Shroff-trained filly Jacqueline, broke the jinx.
“I’m proud of her,” a gleaming Hughes said after he was paraded in the paddock area. Still sporting his bright yellow vest, the lanky champ acknowledged cries of ‘We love you Jacqueline’ from the public only to win more hearts. “Kya mast banda hai,” a local enthusiast was overheard saying.
“Jacqueline is a great filly. She has done all that was asked of her. Wow! What a filly! The last 100m were so tension-filled. I saw an opening and I knew she wouldn’t let me down. She consolidated and that was it,” a profusely sweating Hughes remarked.
Just when you think he’s spent for the day, he let out a gem. “You know what, my wife gave birth a couple of days back and I named the baby Phoebe Jacqueline. I knew she was going to win today. It’s so special. Jacqueline is now a part of my life.”
Around the same time last year, trainer Shroff was forced to bite
the dust after little-known Antonios stunned one and all by going past the red-hot Set Alight. So, does it feel good to be on the winners’ side again? “If your camera doesn’t get you good pictures today, will you stop using it tomorrow?” was the repartee from Shroff.
A few seconds later, the poker face slowly made way for a gentle smile. “Ah, Jacqueline did it. I’m happy. We’re all happy.” The dignitaries on the dais were busy drinking champagne, but Shroff preferred rolling the bubbly glass on his dry, weary face. Hidden behind a bunch of liaison officers, he made his way to the centre of the stage only after his name was called out repeatedly. He finally took a sip to please everyone and rushed back to his blind spot. So where’s the party tonight Mr Shroff? “What party? I’ve got work tomorrow.” What work? “Got to get back to my horses in the morning.”
He’s won eight Indian Derbies as a jockey and two as a trainer. There’s much more to come. Keep watching.
