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If he was nervous while going to the start, he never showed it. Salman looked as comfortable as any of the top riders who were accompanying him. Racing Stars Malesh Narredu, Y S Srinath and B Prakash were all very helpful in offering Salman tips to keep his horse calm amidst the pandemonium. Salman looked confident, fit and comfortable trotting towards the starting point, keen to start off the 600 metre race.
As they were flagged off, Salman hit the front. The first shock for Salman came when he realised that his left stirrup snapped. Even pro jockeys would have either sustained a fall or held on to safety and their action would have been deemed justified. His heart would have skipped a beat but showing admirable presence of mind, Salman Khan rode on, his position precarious, and held on to win the Veer Trophy in a close finish.
The professional jockeys who ensured that Salman did not have it easy, were candid in their admiration, while expressing their views on the race and on Salman, the jockey. “Salman did a commendable job,” said professional Jockey M Narredu. “For a non-professional, he was brilliant in adverse circumstances and really stood out. It needs nerves of steel when you are confronted with equipment damage, that too at full throttle. Salman was very brave and determined. He went on regardless and that was sheer courage. To me he was truly “Veer” in real life.”
“Riding in a race is not a joke,” remarked jockey YS Srinath. “And having a broken stirrup is the worst mishap one can encounter. Salman did remarkably well not only to stay atop, but ride out in full earnest. He deservedly won the race. He showed exemplary courage and great instincts. Anything could have happened. He was right up to the task and proved he was a natural horseman,” concluded Srinath.
Jockey B Prakash said, “Salman was simply superb. Not many would have been able to do what he did despite the broken stirrup. This was no film shooting and Salman showed terrific guts to gallop away without a foothold. How he managed to balance himself beats me. Believe me it is scary when any equipment fails. He was simply marvellous. Being a jockey myself, I know how close to disaster Salman was. He kept his cool and pulled off an amazing victory.”
Salman himself was modest in his views. “This is something I have never done before,” remarked Salman, still atop Wild Rose, his winning companion. “My stirrup broke and I just let my natural instincts take over. My horse, Wild Rose, is a beauty and gave me a wonderful ride. He behaved so well all through. I have ridden horses before alright, but this one was a different feel altogether. I was a bit anxious but the thrill of racing against such talented jockeys proved such an enriching experience. This one is for Veer the movie, which I want all of you to see. I have been on a horseback for more than a hundred hours for this movie. Horses are great animals and man, are they strong and fast! Today’s was a truly great experience,” concluded the charismatic thespian.
The crowds welcomed his triumphant return with even more thunderous applause. The security had a tough time controlling the crowd who just couldn’t get enough of their favourite star in action.
Mr Vivek Jain, Chairman RWITC, while presenting a memento to the star said, “Salman Khan is a hugely popular Star and we at the RWITC were pleased to have him at the racecourse. The Veer exhibition race was an exceptional concept and created an extraordinary sensation adding to the day’s excitement.” Mr Jain later added, “We were concerned of his safety on the race track but Salman showed great riding skills despite the stirrup malfunction. He is a good horseman indeed, and if he were to ever aspire to become a jockey, issuing him a jockey’s license would not be a problem,” he concluded in lighter vein.
Salman was humble and very warm in acknowledging the overwhelming affection and admiration showered upon him by the thousands at the racecourse. He thanked the crowd in his address, and reminded them all to watch his soon-to-be-released film VEER, in which he plays a brave heart warrior. In conclusion, I must add, racing never took a backseat at the Mahalaxmi on a Sunday in the peak of a season, even for a moment. But then, isn’t Salman Khan a show stopper?
