28 June,2026 10:50 PM IST | Mumbai | Prakash Gosavi
Veteran Trainer SS Shah
The Indian racing fraternity woke up to sombre news on Sunday morning. Veteran trainer SS Shah, a true gentleman of the turf whose quiet competence defined an era, breathed his last in a Pune hospital. He was 88.
Roxanne, his assistant who took care of his horses, and also looked after him like a daughter, confirmed the news to mid-day. After his wife passed away in June last year, Shah was in and out of hospitals for serious ailments, until a stroke two weeks ago required him to be put on a ventilator. "He must be happy and at peace, reuniting with his beloved wife up there," an emotional Roxanne told mid-day.
Shah had retired from the profession over a year ago at Mahalaxmi in March 2025, after a remarkable 55-year career that began in 1969.
SS Shah was more than a trainer - he was a horseman who understood the heart of his charges better than most form guides could ever reveal.
From his first big strike with Mansoor in 1973 to the glittering back-to-back triumphs with Hotstepper (2008) and Antonios (2009) more than 35 years later, his 3 Indian Derby victories against all odds defined not only the durability of his training methods, but also his own patience and versatility.
Shah saddled nearly 1000 winners, and etched his name in racing lore. His final act was pure poetry: saddling the gritty 6-year-old mare Golden Rule at 15-1 odds to win on his very last day, giving the veteran the perfect send-off as the mare too was shortlisted for retirement.
In an age of flash and frenzy, Shah represented the old-school virtues: consistency, care for his horses, and a deep love for the game that outlasted many flashier names.
Farouq Rattonsey, the horse owner for whom Shah trained two back-to-back Indian Derby winners in 2008-09, told mid-day, "I am devastated by the news. He was a gentleman first, and a trainer later. Looking back, I realise how fortunate I was to lead in those two Indian Derby winners with such a fine gentleman by my side as my trainer."
