High hopes

“Arre saab, woh thoda sa mental hai,” is how one of the supervisors describes a horse which simply hates the sight of water. The colt in question was brought blindfolded and it took as many as five trainers to drag — sometimes push — him into the 10-feet deep pool, the shape of which resembles an omega. The ‘problem child’ then pants and grunts its way through the ‘workout’ and looks relieved to be out of the waters after just two rounds.
The young handler, who did the running through the perimeter of the pool clutching a thick rope — the other end of which is tied around the colt’s jaw — wears a proud look on his face. Most days, Mr Mental drives him crazy. But on Thursday, he managed to ‘tame’ his dear ward.

“No reverse gear,” the young man smiles. “He’s calmer today. Normally he runs back to the stable the moment he senses water. He just hates water,” the smile now turns into a grin. “It’s time for lunch now,” the puny trainer adds while patting Mr Mental on its back.

Meanwhile, another one makes its way out of the pool and starts wriggling on the beach sand laid out a few notches away. “She loves the sand. Wait for her to twist and turn. Maybe she’ll jump too. Be ready…,” the trainer yells. The shutterbugs take their positions.

It’s derby week and the stables on the premises of the 325-acre Mahalaxmi Race Course are buzzing with activity. Each horse has a dedicated trainer but sometimes one is just not enough. The tracks were opened for mediapersons who had the unique opportunity to witness a day in the life of a horse that’s gearing up for race day.

“They (horses) look so nervous. What’s the need for a giant screen today? And why is there running commentary?” remarked an oblivious joger.

Derby favourite Jacqueline and S Padmanabhan-trained Becket walked, trotted, cantered and then galloped in full cry. Becket, the Bangalore Derby winner, looks good but as the commentator pointed out, Becket is “still immature” and has a long way to go.
And yes, you can spot ‘mental’ colts on the course too. Maybe they hate the sight of grass! Or maybe it’s something else.

They just don’t understand what a straight line is. And they change tracks exactly like drunken drivers on highways. Hope the trainers (and doctors) sort out such cases before Sunday. The equine hospital, which is situated on the premises, is thankfully not overflowing.

One of the ‘patients’ was Mystique who fractured his left hind leg after a fellow competitor ran over it. Mystique, according to its trainer, will take another two months to recover. There’s a split AC in his stable — most horses enjoy that luxury — and the colt should be fit sooner than later.

A race horse’s life seems tougher than a donkey’s. But yes, a donkey doesn’t get to race at the McDowell’s Signature Indian Derby! Be there on Sunday. You’ll know what it’s like.