It is nearing dusk but the Mahalaxmi Racecourse is still throbbing with hooves of impatient horses. The day is hardly over. At 6.45 pm sharp, jockey-turned-horse trainer Pesi Shroff walks in wearing pristine white semi formals and a smile to match. The man, who began his career as a jockey at the age of 16 way back in 1981, is one of the most successful horse-racing jockeys the country has ever produced. Despite having over 1,700 titles to his credit, including 100-plus Classic wins, he is surprisingly humble. As we settle down for a freewheeling chat under the waning sun near the stables, he orders some tea and insists sitting in a place from where he can watch his horses.

Excerpts from the interview: