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I had to get something out of him. He was a little too poker-faced for me. I caught up with him as he was walking towards the main track on his way to the starting gates to personally see that his horses St Vincent and Churchill behaved at the gates in the two mock races. I called out to him and when he said he was busy with the mock race on hand, I reminded him what the doctor advised – walk when you talk. In my case, I requested him let’s talk while we walk!
He was hardly amused by my wisecrack; nevertheless, he spoke to me, as I joined him on his journey to the starting gates. Without waiting for my questions, Pesi darted off, “Yes, this is a big moment in my career. I am extremely satisfied at the end of the day. I must also add that this is not my moment in glory alone; I would dedicate this feat to my entire stable staff. Vishal in particular, who worked whole-heartedly all through. Things were not going well for us in Pune. It was important inputs from him that were truly helpful. Malcolm (Kharadi) and Ruzaan also contributed in no small measure. They are hard working and attached to my stable for a very long time. I am grateful to each and every stable hand, for it is after all their dedicated efforts that led to such a successful run. It is all well for me to enjoy and bask in the glory of it all, but it is these men who slog behind the scene that really deserve all the accolades.”
I was touched by this thoughtful and frank acknowledgement. I pressed further, asking him if he ever felt more satisfied after a day’s work. “Oh yes, when I won the apprentice jockey championship, as a teenager - the second season of my career and when I saddled my first winner as a pro trainer,” he replied.
Which according to him was the best performance of the day? “Onassis” was his one word reply. By that time we had reached the starting gates and he paid rapt attention to his two runners, instructing the handlers, jockeys and the horses too. As soon as the horses for the mock race were let off, the starting gate handlers mobbed Pesi, congratulating him and he accepted every hand that was offered to him. On our way back, Pesi again stressed that he was indeed fortunate and considered himself blessed. “Everything has to gel well. The horses have to be perfectly tuned in, they have to be entered appropriately, and then the luck of the race. You see there are so many factors. And to strike it right six times in a single day, I am indeed fortunate,” concluded Pesi.
I would not agree. ‘The harder you work, the luckier you get’ is a wise phrase and knowing Pesi for more than half his racing career stretch, he has been at it hard, all through the years. He, like a true pro, has an eye for perfection. He is the front man for himself, and he will play the role of a syce if he has to. He takes his profession very seriously and knows his horses only too well. He is a shrewd planner and the racecourse is his playground. With a dedicated team of hand picked men, if any trainer will beat this record of six winners in a day, it will be Pesi Shroff himself.
