Polar Falcon thrills in Singapore

AS REPORTED in these columns in May last year, it was the holding of the Asian Racing Conference in Singapore and Malaysia in March 2000 that acted as the ``spark'' that ignited the move to display the wares of Indian horses abroad. One notable victory had already been recorded in January 1994, when Astonish scored in Class I in Hong Kong, and by logical implication it was felt that high class Indian- breds could certainly score in good company in Singapore as well.

Events were soon set in motion, culminating in the departure in May 2000, of the trio of Smart Chieftan, Polar Falcon, and Inglenook for Los Angeles, U.S.A. This roundabout trip to Singapore was necessitated by the absence of a direct health protocol between India and that country. In August, after the requisite period of quarantine was completed, the group made its second crossing of the International Date Line and arrived at the barn of Singapore's champion trainer, Malcolm Thwaites, at Kranji racecourse.

As the humid climate in Singapore is virtually identical to that prevalent in coastal Indian cities, the Indian top-notchers acclimatised quite quickly. They also put on condition, thanks to the superior feed they received - Mitavite Turbo Sustaina from Australia is the standard fare in the Thwaites' yard. They continued the educational lessons they had been receiving in California, that of being able to take left-handed turns with ease.

Within four months of arrival, they were ready to go. First one out of the box was Inglenook and he ran a cracker of a race in Class II over 1,400 m. in December, finishing rapidly from a disadvantageous position to be second behind Bocelli. When it was learnt that the winner was no mean horse - he holds the track record for the trip at Kranji - the value of the form became evident.

Next to test his prowess was Polar Falcon, in a 1,200 m. Class II sprint. Heavily fancied on that occasion thanks to some sparkling track work, he was a trifle slowly away from draw no. 1 and finished on rapidly to be beaten less than a length when placed third. Considering his initial loss of position, this was an outstanding effort. Trainer Thwaites then entered him against similar company over 1400 m. on January 7 this year. As Polar Falcon was drawn wide on this occasion, it was decided he should use his early speed to get into a good position. In the event, Saimee Jumaat (Singapore's champion jockey) hit the front perhaps a shade too soon, as Polar Falcon weakened after taking the lead, having prematurely used up his reserves.

With the knowledge gleaned from these two runs, the Thwaites camp scented imminent victory and placed Polar Falcon in another Class II sprint on Saturday, January 20, 2001. This date will go down in history as a red-letter day for the Indian Turf, as it marked the very first time that an Indian Thoroughbred won a race in Singapore.

Kept sixth early, Polar Falcon came in from his no. 7 draw, skimmed the rail, got an opening at the top of the relatively short stretch, and powered clear. Under right-handed whipping from his new partner, Jimmy Fortune, Polar Falcon shot home by a length and a quarter from Monopoly Star.

With some heavy late betting, the odds against his victory plummeted and he paid Singapore $19 for win (for a $ 5 stake) and $6 for place. For his efforts, Polar Falcon earned a cheque of $44,625.00, raising his foreign bankroll to $52,687.50 (about Rs. 14,00,000).

Jimmy Fortune was particularly pleased by the win for the Indian- bred runner who sported the colours of Dr. M.A.M. Ramaswamy's Chettinad Stud Farm. During several seasons in this country, he had ridden some ten Classic winners for the same connections. ``This win will always be special to me'' said the 28-year-old Irishman, who rides for Robert Sangster in Europe.

Bred in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, by that discerning breeder and fine judge of livestock, Mr. S. Pathy, at his pioneering Sans Craintes Stud & Agricultural Farm, Polar Falcon is by Nureyev's talented son, Ajaad, out of Himafushi, by Common Land. Despite being a late foal (May 27 1996), he caught the expert eye of the country's biggest owner, Dr. Ramaswamy, who purchased him for his racing stable. The small-made colt - he weighed just 437 kg. when scoring in Singapore - soon showed how big was his heart. From a fairly rigorous campaign in India, he demonstrated admirable consistency, succeeding 12 times from 15 starts in exactly 18 months, with 2 second-placed efforts. His most notable victory came in the Grade I Wills Sprinters Cup at Bangalore on April 1 2000, for which the Ramaswamy camp, who had boundless faith in his ability, considered him unbeatable.

Polar Falcon's only unplaced effort was recorded when he was unsighted on his debut in Madras (now Chennai) back in October 1998. He amassed the useful sum of Rs. 43,87,680 from his local efforts.

Promoted now to Class I, Polar Falcon can add to his laurels in Singapore. Although arguably the best sprinter in that country, Trillion Win, is more than 100 kg. heavier - he tipped the scales at 529 kg. on his last start - Polar Falcon is made of stern stuff. If body language means anything, he seemed to this writer to be enthusiastic and craving for more when returning to the paddock after his epoch-making victory. Certainly, India's racing ambassador has given his country much to be grateful for. And then, there is always Smart Chieftan waiting in the wings!

DARK LEGEND

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