Sadakshara ‘Paddy’ Padmanabhan, master trainer behind Desert God, dies at 71

Bengaluru: The Indian horse racing fraternity lost a leading trainer Sunday with the passing of Sadakshara Reuben Padmanabhan. The 71-year-old passed away in Bengaluru after a brief illness.Fondly known as Paddy, Padmanabhan, was recognized for his tactical acumen and scientific approach to racing and horse breeding. After receiving his trainer’s license in 1981 from the Madras Race Club, Padmanabhan moved to the city a few years later. Over a four-decade career, he trained more than 100 Classic winners and achieved about 200 graded race victories. He was only the third Indian trainer after Rashid Byramji and Aris David to saddle over 100 Classic winners.

He was also a horse owner.A self-made professional, Padmanabhan came into his own without the backing of famed stud farms or owners.Reflecting on his growth, veteran horse racing expert Sharan Kumar said, “When he started, his yard looked more like a garage full of broken-down horses rather than a training establishment. But with grit and sheer perseverance, he built his career brick by brick — until success had no choice but to salute him.”

Although he battled ill-health for a decade, it did not stop him from bringing out the best in his horses. The brightest feather in his colourful hat was Desert God, a horse he bred, owned and trained. The highest stakes earner in Indian racing history, Desert God dominated the racing circuit with victories in marquee events like the Indian Derby, Indian Turf Invitation Cup, Deccan Derby, and Calcutta Derby. Padmanabhan also expanded his horizon beyond India, forging into races in the US and Dubai.A master of precision, Padmanabhan was known for his never-die attitude on and off the track.Besides working with top jockeys in India, he was also associated with riders from overseas. His best-known international jockey was Allan David, with whom he was associated for over a decade. A keen follower of cricket, Padmanabhan’s last active race was Miracle Star, winning the Grade 3 Governor’s Cup in the Bangalore Summer Season on Aug 1.

On Friday, although he did not travel to Mysuru, he saddled Mystikos.Seasoned jockey Suraj Narredu, who will ride Padmanabhan-trained Miracle Star at the Mysore Derby next weekend, said, “We lost superstar jockey Aslam Kader last week and now we’ve lost another legend. I had a great association with Padmanabhan in my initial years as a jockey and rode plenty of winners for him. If I can win atop Mystical Star on Sunday, it would be a great tribute to the legend.”Padmanabhan leaves behind his pillar of strength and wife, Sharmila.