Poonawalla Stud Farms is dedicated to showcasing the prowess of Indian thoroughbreds on international race tracks, aiming to make them proud competitors in prominent racing nations worldwide. This commitment is exemplified by the remarkable achievements of horses like Mystical, India’s champion, who has etched his name in racing history by securing back-to-back victories at the Dubai International Racing Carnival.
Mystical, honored as Horse of the Year 2005-2006, became the first Indian horse to triumph at the prestigious Dubai International Racing Carnival. His success marked a significant milestone, not only for Poonawalla Stud Farms but for Indian racing as a whole. His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum acknowledged the significance of his wins, stating, “For a horse to come and win in the International Carnival it is good. But for a horse to win two in a row is quite something. Remember this.”
The stud farm’s legacy of international success dates back to India’s first post-independence commercial export, ASTONISH. An Indian Triple Crown winner and Horse of the Year 1991-1992, Astonish made a triumphant international debut by winning a Class I race at Sha Tin, Hong Kong. He further established his credentials by setting a track record for the metric mile on an equitrack, showcasing his exceptional racing ability even after a prolonged stay in America. Astonish’s victories are particularly noteworthy given he was six years old and past his prime when he competed in Hong Kong.
Following Astonish’s success, ADLER, an Indian Turf Invitation Cup winner and Horse of the Year 1992-1993, became the first Indian horse to win in the United States of America. This consistent international performance was further bolstered by SADDLE UP, who achieved Champion status in Singapore, winning multiple accolades including Champion Long Distance-Older Horse, Champion Middle Distance, and Champion Older Horse. Saddle Up also impressively finished just 3½ lengths behind the winner in the World Series Hong Kong Cup, Gr.1.
The stud farm’s export campaign extended to Malaysia, where SIMPLY NOBLE was nominated for Champion Miler after winning the Sultan of Selangor Gold Cup, Gr.1, the second jewel of the Malaysian Triple Crown. IMPERIALISM, another Poonawalla Stud Farms’ bred, became the first Indian-bred juvenile exported to win in Singapore.
The ambition to promote Indian horses and enhance the stud farm’s global reputation led to the selection of India’s champion and Horse of the Year 2005-2006, MYSTICAL, for the next phase of this quest.
Mystical’s debut at the Dubai International Carnival 2007 was nothing short of spectacular, as he dominated the field, captivating the crowd and marking a magical moment for Poonawalla Stud Farms and India. Commentator Terry Spargo described the historic win: “Mystical burst up on the inside….150 metres left to go…. and here’s a little page of history being written; Mystical in front of Hallhoo and Yarqus…. and Mystical for India has won the money!”
In his second race, Mystical faced increased competition and class but once again proved his mettle. Terry Spargo captured the excitement: “250 meters left to go, Mystical for India takes the lead, Diamond Quest is fighting, Ryan Moore is riding hard, Mystical is responding, and its another history making win for Mystical. The Indian Champ has done it again!”
Mystical’s performances garnered global attention, opening the eyes of the international racing world to the potential of Indian horses. Messages of congratulations poured in from around the globe, solidifying Mystical’s role in placing Indian racing on the world map.
Poonawalla Stud Farms, through the exceptional achievements of horses like Mystical, has firmly established the Indian thoroughbred’s presence on the international circuit, becoming the first Indian-bred and trained horse to win at the Dubai International Carnival.
