Pak gift leaps over red tape to show-jump at Games

Earlier in February 2004, when he was visiting Lahore, Amarinder was gifted a horse, Sultan. But since there were no quarantine facilities at the Attari border check-post, Sultan was not allowed to enter India. Then as he developed some health problems, another horse called Son of a Gun, was gifted in Sultan8217;s place.

But the transfer of this horse too was delayed. During the endless wait, he too developed medical problems that eventually left him maimed.

Son of a Gun8217;s replacement, Sunny the Kid, would have waited endlessly, but for a timely intervention by the Prime Minister8217;s Office, which cleared his entry into India by road in December 2005. Amarinder, a riding enthusiast, gifted the four-year-old chestnut stallion to the Punjab Police Academy PPA at Phillaur, where it was trained for equestrian sports.

So, why did Amarinder gift away Sunny the Kid? 8220;I had gone to Pakistan as the chief minister of Punjab. How could I keep the horse?8221; he replies.

At Phillaur, where the Equestrian Championships will be held from October 31 to November 2, there are lots of expectations from Sunny the Kid, now seven. 8220;This horse has the height, stamina and agility needed to excel in show jumping and tent pegging,8221; says Inspector Harpal Singh, a riding master at the Academy.

8220;He is shaping up well. He has shown tremendous promise,8221; says sub-inspector Jaswinder Singh who rides Sunny the Kid. Singh should know. After all, he has won countless international medals in show jumping and tent pegging.

8220;I am sure this horse will bring laurels to the Academy, Punjab and the country,8221; says a trainer.