MUMBAI: As the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) is set to hold a race, Kheem Singh Gold Cup, to honour the legendary rider Kheem Singh on Sunday, it is time to remember the great rider who broke the foreign riders’ domination on the Indian Derby when he guided Chandulal Shah-owned colt, favourite Balam, to a fighting victory on February 5, 1948 to become the first Indian jockey to win the coveted race. He beat Prince Of Ramgarh by a neck.
A true saddle artist, he also won four Indian Oaks, three Indian 1000 Guineas and 2000 Guineas and Indian St. Leger once each in his riding career, from 1940 to 1959.
