Mumbai: Two brothers — jockey Suraj Narredu and trainer Rajesh Narredu – have sprung a pleasant surprise: both have made history by winning the Indian Derby, a prestigious racing event of the country. It was astride Star Superior Suraj, the elder of the two, who guided the horse which is being trained by his younger brother Rajesh. “It is a magnificent feeling and this will go down as a landmark in the history of racing,” said Rajesh after the race.
Three generations of Narredu family have been doing wonders in racing, either as trainers or jockeys; but this time the honours have been shared by two brothers at the Mahalaxmi racecourse. “On two occasions, Star Superior has lost to Sir Cecil; in their third outing today, it was sweet revenge for us; this was the best part of winning the Indian Derby,” said Rajesh. “It was a dream and I wanted to win the race for my brother and family and Star Superior did it for us,” said jockey Suraj.
Star Superior was lurking in the 7th position in the 14-horse race; it moved ahead within 1000 meters of the winning post, and from then on there was no turning back. “It was at that point my horse responded; after overtaking the two leaders — Sir Cecil and Sacred Roman, who were tired — it became easy for me,” said jockey Suraj while talking to Free Press Journal after the race.
“This is something very special for us -– the Narredu family and this trophy will find the highest place on the shelf,” added Suraj. “We have done it and, yes, it is Brothers in Arms for us,” said Suraj who went on to praise his cousin Yash who has been handling the horse on the tracks. It is a usual practice with jockeys turning trainers, but in this case Rajesh has never been a jockey.
