The Indian horse racing world is in mourning following the passing of one of its most celebrated figures, S. Padmanabhan, affectionately known as Paddy. He died on Sunday in Bengaluru at the age of 71, leaving behind his devoted wife, Sharmila Padmanabhan, who was a constant source of strength and support throughout his illustrious career.
Padmanabhan embarked on his remarkable journey in 1981, securing his training license from the esteemed Madras Race Club. His early years saw him establish his operations in Chennai, before he eventually shifted his primary base to the vibrant Bangalore Turf Club.
Spanning an extraordinary four decades, Padmanabhan’s career saw him saddle over 1,000 winners. This impressive tally included a phenomenal 113 Classic victories and close to 200 Graded race triumphs. His most outstanding achievements included three glorious Indian Derby wins and an incredible five Indian Turf Invitation Cup successes, irrevocably sealing his status as a legendary icon in horse racing.
His inaugural Derby triumph was secured in 2012 with the magnificent filly, In The Spotlight. This was followed by further victories with Desert God in 2016 and Hall Of Famer in 2017. In the prestigious Indian Turf Invitation Cup, Padmanabhan guided five different champions to glory: Running Flame (1999), Zurbaran (2003), Becket (2010), the dual winner In The Spotlight (2012), and Desert God (2016).
Notably, Desert God, celebrated as the highest stake-earning racehorse in Indian history, was not only trained by Padmanabhan but also bred and owned by him – a testament to his comprehensive expertise and deep connection to the sport.
Recognized internationally as a prominent figure in Indian racing, Padmanabhan was renowned for his meticulous study of global trends and pedigrees, which contributed significantly to his all-round excellence. His sharp judgment and uncanny ability to select winning horses were among his most cherished talents.