Elusive Pimpernel ridden by Aslam Kader The Indian Derby 1995

Every winner of the McDowell Indian Derby has been a champion in his own right but Elusive Pimpernel was something special. He was a big strapping Chestnut colt who carried himself majestically and at the same time had that incredible ability to change gears whenever required. Trained by the maestro himself Mr. Rashid Byramji, Elusive Pimpernel would ultimately go down in his book as one of the greatest racehorse he ever trained.

Sporting the colours of Mr. Deepak Khaitan Elusive Pimpernel went out the favourite for the 1995 McDowell Indian Derby. Turning for home, well off the pace as far back as seventh or eight, jockey Aslam Kader was unperturbed. He popped the Pimpernel the question and the Mahalaxmi racecourse looked on in awe as Elusive Pimpernel Went from cruise control into instant overdrive to sail past the opposition.

Bred at the Dashmesh Stud and Agricultural Farm located in the Punjab, Elusive Pimpernel would go down in the annals of Indian Racing as one of the all time greats. He won 22 races from 23 starts losing just once and that was by the breadth of a flared nostril. He became the first Indian thoroughbred ever to earn over the rupees one crore mark and in the end he was racing against the clock since there was not a horse in India who could stand up to him.