Bengaluru boy records classic double

Ikram Khan | NT

You got to doff your hat to young Aravind Ganapathy. The unassuming pro was the toast of all the big guns in the Hyderabad racing circle, winning two classics, the Golconda Oaks and the Golconda Derby through his `Queen’ filly Faith Of Success. And the promising Bengaluru trainer, immensely pleased with the two fabulous results he has obtained in the new year is all geared up to maintain the winning streak.

It was a resplendent Derby effort. And the victory was a slap in the face of many racing pundits, who made no secret of their opinion that the Oaks win was a flash in the pan. The fact that Aravind sent out a strong message that he will field Faith Of Success against the best in the Malakpet campus after his maiden classic success brought to light the confidence of the pro, who was willing to take the bull by its horn. And the double classic whammy, it is needless to mention has silenced all critics while Aravind is standing tall at the podium.

Most trainers in the game while acknowledging the brilliant effort disclosed that it is a big feat, keeping the filly on top of her game for two successive big challenges and in the Scroll Of Honour, Aravind is now on the elite list. The hardworking pro, who always chose to smile even when the chips were down is most satisfied with the start he has made this year and promises to continue the good work in the forthcoming summer season.

“ It has been hectic but I’m not complaining. The two results have catapulted me into the big league. But I know that I have a long way to go and I’m taking it --step by step, said Aravind pointing that his dad Subbiah Ganapathy, who to his credit has led in 97 classic victories apart from the two victories in Dubai, the only Indian trainer to post this feat, has played a stellar role in his progress. The young turk disclosed that apart from the encouragement and support from home, AC Muthiah has really been a big help. “He simply is very supportive and positive. The moment Faith Of Success won the Derby, he wanted me to take a chance in the Indian Derby.

The fact that the Indian Derby field has a couple of big achievers and the fact that a final entry would cost more than a million didn’t stop the man from giving the go-ahead, said Aravind pointing out that AC Muthiah just wanted to give the filly and me the opportunity to be on the big stage. He was happy with what I and Faith Of Success had done and this in his own style was a gift in recognition,” said Aravind.

“Muthiah and dad apart, my wife Sarsu despite being from a non-racing background has always been supportive and that has helped scale a few barriers in the effort to hit the high road,” said Aravind.

A delighted Sarsu said: To tell you honestly, it was ecstatic. Oaks and then the coveted Derby, you can’t ask for more. My daughter Shrishti and I saw the Derby live and it was an absolute humdinger. First I thought Faith Of Success will win easily but the moment she got into a pocket, my heart sank and I thought it was the end before the filly gallantly rallied back to win and the moment she did that, a loud cheer from Shrishti set the tone for celebrations.