Former champion jockey Aslam Kader passed away on Thursday morning (Oct. 9) in Bengaluru, after a long battle with lung cancer. He was 63.
Born on December 9, 1962, in Mumbai, Kader was one of the most celebrated riders in Indian horse racing. During his illustrious career, he rode 1,717 winners, including 75 classic victories, and won the Champion Jockey title at every racing centre in India. He was crowned champion nine times at the Bangalore Turf Club and thrice at the RWITC, Mumbai.
He also holds the record of riding 77 winners in a single season at the Mumbai racecourse.
Fondly nicknamed “AK-47” by racegoers for maintaining his riding weight of 47 kilograms throughout his career, Kader was admired for his skill, balance, and tactical brilliance in the saddle. He rode his first winner on a filly named Hennessey in 1979, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey that made him a household name in the sport.
Kader won three Indian Derbies — his first in 1992 on Astonish, trained by Bezan Chenoy, after a thrilling duel with Scottish jockey Willie Carson on La Bonne Vie. He followed up with victories on Astronomic in 1993 and the outstanding Elusive Pimpernel in 1995.
Trainer Bezan Chenoy fondly recalled, “Aslam was a gifted and talented rider. We worked successfully together for many years. He was one of the finest jockeys India has ever seen. I was lucky to know him, and he will be missed.”
Kader shared a long and successful association with late owner Deepak Khaitan and trainer R.R. Byramji, forming one of the most respected partnerships in Indian racing.
His favourite mount was the champion Elusive Pimpernel, with whom he won the Indian Derby and Indian Turf Invitation Cup in 1995. Aslam Kader retired from racing in 2003, bringing to an end a glorious career that inspired generations of Indian jockeys.