The memories of Princess Beautiful linger on

Unusual though it may seem, it was a cattle farmer in the village of Epsom, just South of London, who was perhaps the central figure in th...

Unusual though it may seem, it was a cattle farmer in the village of Epsom, just South of London, who was perhaps the central figure in the developments that led to the commencement of the horse race known as the Derby. This was way back in 1618, when one Henry Whicker discovered that his cattle would not drink the water at a spring in the locality.

This was because the water was heavily laden with mineral salts (Epsom Salts). The recuperative and rejuvenative powers of the water led to Epsom growing into a town, with lodgings, taverns and the likes. It did not take long for racing to be held on the amenable countryside, with the first known meeting being held in 1661, attended by King Charles II.

Much later, in 1773, Lord Derby leased a country house on the outskirts of Epsom known as "The Oaks", where he spent much time throwing lavish parties. Five years later, his friends and he decided to spice up activities by establishing a horse race (appropriately named after his house) for three-year-old filliesnamed The Oaks, to be run the following year.

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As the outcome of the initial venture was deemed to be successful Lord Derby’s Bridget defeated her eleven rivals it was decided to hold an "open" race for three-year-olds and thus was born the race known as The Derby, named in honour of the host.

To the noted British statesman Benjamin Disraeli goes the credit of recognising The Derby as England’s (if not the world’s) premier horse race. In response to a question in 1848 as to whether he understood the significance of the contest, he is reported to have replied "Indeed I do it is the Blue Riband of the Turf".

Thus the first-ever Indian Derby was run during the Bombay Racing Season of 1942/43. The race and indeed the series of five Indian classics was the brainchild of Mr. K.M. Munshi, the then Finance Minister of the Bombay Province.

One of the leading three-year-olds at the start of the 1942/43 Bombay season was a Renala Stud-bred filly named Princess Beautiful. She raced in the colours of one ofthe most prominent owners of the day, the Maharaja of Baroda. The daughter of Short Hand* was a medium sized bay, somewhat light-framed and narrow, but of good quality.

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She commenced her second Mahalaxmi season on a high note, taking the Indian 1000 Guineas, and followed up with the Indian 2000 Guineas. With that record, Princess Beautiful naturally started out as a favourite for the first-ever Indian Derby (run on Saturday, February 6, 1943) at the cramped odds of 6 to 4 on. Stylish Australian jockey Edgar Britt was in the saddle. Princess Beautiful won easily from the Maharaja Scindia of Gwalior-owned pair of Yeshwant (9 to 4 against), who was second, with His Highness (10 to 1), third.

Meanwhile, in the season following those of her Classic victories, Princess Beautiful raced in open company with some success, winning amongst others, the Cambridgeshire Handicap in Class II against English horses. She was then retired to the Baroda Stud in Baroda, before being sent three years later to the Maharaja ofBaroda’s Irish stud. (PMG)

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