Luxury Indulgence

A Stopover at Delhi Derby

Luxury Indulgence

Daksh Oberoi

Daksh Oberoi

Luxury has many shades and shapes. Among many blue-blooded hobbies, horse breeding and horse racing has earned the title of being Sport of Kings, epitomizing the royal nature of this game. Located opposite to the Prime Ministers residence, 7 Race Course Road is Delhis race course. Daksh Oberoi, the co-owner of the Delhi Race Course stepped in graciously to welcome Dipti P when she wished to introduce the sinewy race horses at the Delhi Derby to Fusion Life readers.
Daksh Oberoi

ake a peek into history and you will come across insightful archaeological data which indicate that horse racing occurred in ancient Babylon, Syria and Egypt. Chariot and mounted horse racing were popular in the land of Greeks. Humans appear to have long expressed desire to know which horse or horses were the fastest and thus horse racing has ancient roots. Gambling on horse races appears to go hand-in hand as well. Horse racing is an equestrian sport that has a long history. The curiosity to find out more about this ancient aristocratic hobby led me to the Delhi Race Course. Upon entering the gates of the race course, you can find a small ticket counter. The tickets are reasonably low and I observed that the crowd was surprisingly not so of aristocrats but predominantly middle class. I was as puzzled as anybody who had been to the race course for the first time but my sole aim was to see the racing stallions and mares. Daksh Oberoi, fondly known as The Horse Whisperer among his friends was present for my better understanding of the nature of this game. This is the racing season in Delhi. September to April is the primetime to see and participate as far as Delhi races are concerned. On-goings are the Delhi Winter 2011-2012 races, informs Daksh. The races are held at different distances of 1000, 1100, 1200, 1400 and 1600 metres. He further explains, The age at which these brawny horses are allowed to race vary significantly from city and country where the

racing is held. In Delhi the horses are allowed at the age of 3 to compete first at a lower distance race and then as they age, are allowed to race for 1400, 1600 or more distances. The race horses are carefully chosen. Every year after the Indias biggest and glamorous Indian Derby at the Mahalakshmi Race Course in Mumbai, stud farm owners and potential buyers visit the Capricorn Chanhill Stud Farm situated in Pune to buy new and the best breeds, says Oberoi. This is one of the biggest sale of its kind in India. It is an auction for the best pedigree of horses. The display and auction of Colts and Fillies continues for four days and the horses are on exhibit for inspection to all potential buyers. Daksh is a proud owner of horses and is soon-tobe a stud farm owner. He shares, Pedigree plays a vital role in the performance of a race horse. At the auction, acute information highlighting the performance of the stallions and their racing performances are elaborated. There are interesting numbers of pedigrees present at the race too. Ontario, Young Senor, Flitch, Epicentre, Juniper, Storm Trooper, Rebuttal, Mull of Kintyre, Hurricane State and many more from USA, Tirol, Hymn, Elijohar, Inner City from Ireland, San Francisco from France, Hammerstein, Gaswar, Sussex, Glory of Dancer from Great Britain, Itaquere Power from Brazil are among numerous pedigrees. The racing age also differs from city to city in India. In Delhi, horses are allowed to race until

The fascinating names of the horses captivate ones interest and imagination. Here are a few for you.
Master Shub Shubh Zabardast Mystic Miracle Classy Touch Four By Four Master Speed All Weather Gold Miss Gorgeous Seven Eight Six What A Sight Flight Of Fancy Indian Bride Pretty Girl Enter And Canter Bhoomi Putra Ode To Nature Master Blaster Sultan Mirza
they are 8 year old. Mumbai and other cities have better pedigrees than Delhi and thus the age of racing differs in every city. Due to possession of better pedigrees, Mumbai race course allows horses to participate even after the age of 8 but
April 2012 |

44

| April 2012

45