Vasant Shinde: Master of saddle who failed to get necessary recognition

By Harsh Thakor*

In my opinion, Vasant Shinde stands out as India's greatest horse racing jockey of all time. His extraordinary talent and innovative approach to race riding set him apart, earning him a reputation akin to that of a magician in the saddle. I've rarely witnessed such a magical touch from an Indian jockey coupled with a perfectly balanced seat, a keen instinct for pace, and an electrifying finishing kick.

Shinde could guide his horses with the finesse of a race car driver expertly navigating a track, exhibiting remarkable control and natural strength. With Shinde in the saddle, no race was ever truly lost. His ability to turn the tide of a race mirrored a stunning plot twist in a grand epic. His life story is one of overcoming adversity, rising from poverty to achieve greatness.

Jockeys must often make split-second decisions, and Shinde demonstrated a rare genius in seizing slim opportunities amidst the chaos of racing, displaying a level of courage that many of his peers shied away from. His mastery lay in his adept understanding of each horse's unique strengths and weaknesses, as well as his skill in keeping them calm during intense moments. The racing community has sorely felt his absence, particularly in a global landscape that includes the competitive arenas of England and America.

Shinde once observed, "Horses are God's gift to mankind. They may not speak, but they understand what you need from them." After retiring in 1994, he has since settled in a spacious bungalow in Bangalore.

The caliber of jockeying we see today pales in comparison to Shinde's era. In the 1970s and '80s, jockeys were more dedicated to track work, often spending substantial time with trainers and owners at the stables to forge a deeper understanding of the horses. The rapport among jockeys, trainers, and owners was markedly stronger during Shinde's time, a quality he epitomized. Among his contemporaries, he regarded Aslam Kader as the best for his unmatched style and grace.

He also spoke fondly of the late Karl Umrigar, who tragically passed away at the tender age of 19 due to a racing accident. In my estimation, Shinde’s most formidable competition for the title of the best Indian race jockey ever was the late Pandu Khade, with Aslam Kader and Pesi Shroff trailing in his wake.

Journey from rags to riches

Vasant Shinde was born into extreme poverty, sparking a lifetime of struggle. He took his first steps into the equestrian world by riding his father's horses in Matheran, leading tourists up and down the hills. His journey from hardship to success is nothing short of remarkable. He learned the art of bareback riding there, initially believing his humble beginnings were a disadvantage, but they ultimately became his strength.

After sampling various odd jobs, he ventured into a jockey career on the recommendation of Captain Soli and quickly made a mark by securing five wins in his debut year at Pune Gymkhana, earning the best jockey accolade. Subsequently, he enrolled in an apprentice jockey school in Pune. R.R. Byramji, the legendary trainer, played a pivotal role in Shinde's career, giving him his first significant break in the early 1970s.

It’s disheartening to note that the Indian government has not adequately recognized Shinde's extraordinary contributions

Vasant's maiden victory came aboard Mr. D.K. Das's "King’s Hussar" in February 1972. From that moment, Shinde’s career skyrocketed; he eventually achieved a staggering milestone of over 1,800 wins, including more than 110 classic victories. Byramji acknowledged Shinde's exceptional talent, remarking on his ability to extract peak performances from horses that were deemed unlikely contenders.

Notably, during the fiercely competitive 1977-78 Bangalore racing season, both trainers and jockeys found themselves neck and neck in a championship battle that went down to the final race, culminating in another of Shinde's memorable victories aboard "Fork Lightning."

Major achievements and statistics

Shinde boasts a record 114 classic wins throughout his 1972 to 1994 career, totaling an impressive 1,982 victories. Had it not been for health issues and knee injuries, he may have been the first Indian jockey to surpass the 2,000-win mark.

From 1974 to 1977, he dominated Bombay racing, clinching the jockey's championship title despite facing fierce competition from M. Jagdish, who rode for the renowned trainer Rashid Byramji. Shinde’s accolades include winning the Indian Derby twice (on Manitou in 1978 and Nelson in 1983), alongside two Indian Turf Invitation Cups and multiple Bengaluru Derbies and St. Legers.

He was the first Indian jockey to achieve victories in Hong Kong as well, further expanding his legacy. Shinde regarded Squanderer as the finest horse he ever rode, delivering impressive performances in several prestigious races. His rides on Manitou and Everynsky are etched in the memories of racing aficionados, particularly his breathtaking triumphs and intense rivalries with fellow jockeys.

Despite his illustrious career, Shinde’s journey was marred by controversies, including a significant defeat on Everynsky in the 1979 Indian 2000 Guineas and subsequent replacements with foreign jockeys. He also faced suspensions due to perceived reckless riding, which somewhat tarnished his reputation.

It’s disheartening to note that the Indian government has not adequately recognized Shinde's extraordinary contributions to horse racing, having overlooked him for prestigious awards like the Padma Shri.

Given his accomplishments, he deserves a place alongside India’s finest athletes, yet remains less recognized compared to his counterparts in countries like England or the United States.

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*Freelance journalist

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