His health worsened two weeks ago, necessitating hospitalisation, but the doctors sent him home last week so that he could spend his final days with family at home
Aslam Kader
Jockey Aslam Kader, the pint-sized dynamo, who ruled the Indian turf with his powerhouse riding for over two decades (1979-2004), passed away on Thursday around 11.30 am at his Bangalore home. He was 63.
Kader was diagnosed with lung cancer, and was undergoing treatment. His health worsened two weeks ago, necessitating hospitalisation, but the doctors sent him home last week so that he could spend his final days with family at home.
In his career as a jockey, Kader won championships at multiple racing centres in India, notching up 1717 wins, including three Indian Derby titles with Astonish (1992), Astronomic (1993) and Elusive Pimpernel (1995). His record of 77 wins in a Mahalaxmi season (1988-89) stands unchallenged till date.
Pesi Shroff, now champion trainer, who was once Kader's fiercest rival as a jockey, was shocked beyond words when mid-day broke the news to him. "Our rivalry was limited to the racetrack; we had healthy respect for each other's talent. I would often jokingly tell him I would retain him as my exclusive rider if I ever became a trainer."
“Rarest of rare talent, a star jockey and a loyal friend. We were lucky to have seen him riding those beautiful, powerhouse finishes,” described trainer Narendra Lagad who, in the early 1980s, assisted his uncle trainer Bal Lagad for whom Kader rode at the time.
"We have lost a legend, who pulled crowds just to watch him ride and win. In his prime, his aura was second to none," said jockey Suraj Narredu, who recently became the first Indian jockey to win a race at Royal Ascot (UK).
"Aslam bhai ji was not only a great rider, but also an excellent instructor. As my senior jockey, he taught me the art of riding, how to judge pace and how to preserve the horse's best for the last furlong," said jockey-turned-trainer Malesh Narredu, adding: “We have so many top riders in our family, but you’ll be surprised to know that when my nephew Suraj’s son Aarush said he wanted to become a jockey, we sent him to Aslam bhai ji for training.”
Bezan Chenoy, trainer of Astonish, Kader's first Indian Derby winner, said, “A gifted rider; one of the finest jockeys India has ever seen. We worked together successfully for many years. I was lucky to know him. He will be missed."
"The racing world has lost one of its jewels. Personally, I have lost a dear friend," trainer MK Jadhav, at whose home Kader used to dine during his apprenticeship days in Pune over 40 years ago, told mid-day. Jadhav's wife even gave Kader training in etiquettes, which helped him mingle with the elite circles in racing later during his championship days, for which Kader remained grateful for life. "My wife too is heartbroken today. We shared an emotional bond with him,” Jadhav added.
Trainer Padmanabhan from Bangalore described Kader as "a great jockey, and very loyal", before adding that he was, "a victim of circumstances on some occasions.” To support his claim, he cited the case of a horse named International on which Kader was suspended for eight months during his prime, only for it to later emerge that the horse was already lame before running the race.
Just last week this newspaper had broken the news of a biopic being made on Aslam Kader’s life by Mumbai-based filmmaker Sahil Saple. “He was very passionate about this project, which I hope will be a perfect tribute to his persona," Saple said on Thursday.
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