UTTAM SINGH -80 YEARS ON THE TURF

Exactly 100 years ago, in 1919 a child was born in village Gada in Rajasthan. He became an apprentice jockey in 1939, personal trainer to the Maharaja of Idar in 1952 and then branched out to train for some of the top owners in the country.

Soft spoken, stately, hardworking and unassuming, Uttam Singh chose to let his horses do the talking. Over the year’s he earned himself the reputation of being a ‘fillies’ man and he was as courteous with the ladies of the turf as he was in understanding the mindset of the fillies in his yard. His inherent intuition of a filly’s temperament and behaviour helped him win one fillies’ Classic after another, having won the Indian 1000 Guineas, Gr.1 six times and the Indian Oaks, Gr.1 on seven occassions. His total of 16 Indian Classics saw him win the Indian 2000 Guineas, Gr.1 (1); the Indian St. Leger (2) as well. He was Champion trainer in Poona on one occasion.

His reputation of racing a horse only when absolutely ready, no matter how long or how much pressure was exerted on him by his band of loyal owners, is exemplified in the brilliant achievement of winning the Byculla Club Cup with Ferrari, three years successively in 1974 / 75 / 76, running only that one race each year. This is an incredible feat that is sure to remain unbeaten in the books of records.

It all started in 1940 when he apprenticed as a jockey to E. Forsyth. His first win astride Gowrishankar was so memorable that he rode for nine years before he apprenticed as a trainer to W. Buckley whose word of advice, “be honest” echoed forever in his ears. Settling into his own yard, he sent out his first winner Fulhurst in 1953 for the Maharaja of Idar.

On retirement you could still see him, sprightly and energetic walking the turf with the same determination and discipline, as he did when he competed on it, but now, on the verge of turning 100 years of age, he maintains his disciplined lifestyle, taking in as much racing as he can. Filled with nostalgic about Balam, the best horse he ever rode and Venus De Milo, the best he ever trained, who went on to win the Indian Turf Invitation Cup, Gr.1 in 1969 the sparkle in his eyes is rekindled every time a great looking filly walks by.