Who is more qualified to talk about the Indian Derby than top jockey-turned-trainer Pesi Shroff who himself, as a jockey, won it a record eight times? And as a trainer too, won it with Jacqueline two years ago? The ace horseman, in an exclusive chat with MiD DAY, spoke about the race, his runners, their rivals and where he would put his tener if forced to do so.


Trainer Pesi Shroffu00a0& owner Vijay Mallyau00a0pose with filly Smashing, winner
of last month's Indian Oaks, in Mumbai. Pic/Bipin Kokate

Excerpts:

About the race: The Derby is a race that is, basically, a test of stamina. You need speed, but you also need to carry it over a grueling trip. Obviously, it's not easy, more so because any number of things can happen over a mile-and-a-half trip. You have to just hope your horse will get a perfect trip, stay around at the finish and will be able to give out his or her best.