Champion jockey-turned-trainer B. Prakash passed away on Wednesday morning in Mumbai due to a massive heart attack. He was 40 and is survived by parents, wife and two daughters.
Prakash, who started his career as a jockey in 1995, was recognised for his riding skills and was first retained by Mr. K.N. Dhunjibhoy and then late racing baron M.A.M. Ramaswamy.
He rode more than 2000 winners (over 100 classic races) in his career as a jockey. Later, after quitting M.A.M.’s team, he also rode trainer P. Shroff’s horses for Mr. Vijay Shirke. He hung his riding boots in 2012 and took trainers’ licence at RWITC, Mumbai.
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Mr. Dhunjibhoy, chairman of RWITC, said “Very sad indeed, I gave him his first retainer as jockey after he finished his apprenticeship. He then left and joined the most formidable team of Dr. M.A.M. Ramaswamy and became champion Indian Jockey for several years. Will sorely miss him.”
“He was a gifted rider who achieved much success in his jockey career,” responded Mr. Geoffrey B. Nagpal, chairman, Stewards of the Club.