Continuing from my earlier posts on HT.

The so called Champion Jockeys

There have been many a comment in this space about the deteriorating performance of champion Jockeys of last season, namely, SurajNarredu& S. John. Some even attributing “deviousness” on the part of the Jockeys and connections. Whatever it is it is plain that these top rung Jockeys, Suraj, John, A. Imran Khan, Srinath, Alford, Rajendra, even I Chisty have seem to have lost focus on their fitness regime. Hence, they have lost the expected “Spark” in their riding.  Suraj is Weighing close to 55kgs. S.John is well over 55 kgs and I heard an announcement by BTC on 4/3/12 that A. Imran Khan is weighing 56.5 Kgs and is over weight on his mount by ½ kg. I Chisty once considered a safe and reliable Jockey on bottom weights is now weighs around 52 Kgs. Less said the better about Srinath, C. Rajendra& C. Alford etc.

No wonder Trevors & Sandeshes who weigh around 48 kgs rule the turf. With increase in body weight the Jockey loses the suppleness which is an important factor to give a good and effective ride. With more weight the body develops stiffness and the result is the lack of quality rides. I remember the great Aslam Kader ( who was fondly nick named AK 47 for his thunderous finishes and his low body weight), and PesiShroff made every effort to keep their physic in top shape and their body weight under check.

Are our present day Jockeys more licentious than their peers of the earlier generation when it comes to commitment ?

Comments please.

This piece of write up is relevant even today. Only the actors are different!