Indian 1000 Guineas
MUMBAI: After a prolonged hiatus, leading trainer S. Padmanabhan is back in Mumbai, this time with his filly Emphatic, gearing up for a shot at the Indian 1000 Guineas at the Mahalaxmi racecourse on Sunday.
The veteran trainer, buoyed by Emphatic's stunning victory in the South India 1000 Guineas, is optimistic about her chances in the Indian classic. "Emphatic has travelled well, and I'm hopeful she will put up a bold show. Saqlain has agreed to continue his successful partnership with her," Padmanabhan told TOI on Thursday.
Padmanabhan, who boasts multiple Indian classic wins including Indian Derby triumphs, recently returned to the turf after a protracted legal battle with the Bangalore Turf Club (BTC). The controversy stemmed from his horse Adjustment testing positive for the banned drug Tildren last year, which led to his suspension. His license was restored on Oct 23, and within a week, he marked his return with a win at Mysore.
The trainer's absence from the scene had sparked doubts about whether he still possessed his signature Midas touch. But Emphatic's performance silenced the sceptics. "It's true that I suffered a stroke five years ago, which has affected my mobility. However, my appetite for classics has only grown stronger. Emphatic wasn't even a classic contender on Nov 1, but taking her to a classic in just her third start proved to be a masterstroke. This shows I can still deliver for those who believe in me," Padmanabhan remarked.
He also acknowledged the limited resources he's working with now. "My stable has significantly reduced-I have only six three-year-olds. Yet, one is already a classic winner, and I have a strong contender for the Oaks as well," he added.
Incidentally, Padmanabhan is only the third Indian trainer to achieve the remarkable milestone of a century of classic wins, joining the illustrious ranks of Aris David and the legendary Rashid Byramji.
