In the materialistic world of horse racing where professionals often disregard all accepted norms, there was a gentleman called Jagdish Singh Chauhan who was an exception to the rule. He was not only trusted by his owners, trainers but he even had the admiration of the authorities. Well behaved, courteous, Jagdish was a perfect gentleman.

After riding about 1960 winners, Jagdish bid adieu to the saddle at the age of 56 in the year 1986. By then, he was tantalizingly close to achieving the magical figure of 100 classics and the temptation to carry on was strong. However, he gave up two short due to a niggling back injury. ''I never consciously went after records,’’ says Jagdish looking back on his achievement. His achievement is put in proper perspective when one considers the fact that the number of race days all over the country were far less during the time Jagdish was at his peak than at the present.

After retiring from the saddle, Jagdish worked as a race day Stipendiary Steward with Bangalore Turf Club for well over 10 years but at the beginning of this season, he informed the Bangalore Turf Club that he wished to retire from the sport completely. The BTC on its part honored Jagdish for his services to the sport by presenting him a silver salver on Saturday, May 17, the opening day of Bangalore Summer Races. Unfortunately, the present day race goers who hardly know about the landmarks set by him did not give the kind of ovation that he richly deserved. The authorities were at fault for not having given sufficient publicity to the fact that Jagdish was a professional of extraordinary achievements.

Jagdish delighted Indian railbirds for well over four decades. In a sport where everybody is viewed with suspicion, he enjoyed the total affection of race-goers for his integrity.

Jagdish made his debut, with a ride on King Solomon at the Pune Race Course on August 11, 1945. He hit the limelight with the legendary trainer Baba Khan, with whose stable he was associated for 15 years -- eight with Baba Khan and after his death in 1961, seven with his son Khan Baba. He was a loyalist and he has won every big race that is to be won in India, including the Indian Derby many times.

As he neared the 100 classic mark, there was pressure from his admirers, owners and friends to complete the coveted mark. He would have been the first Indian jockey to achieve such a distinction. Prominent among them was Dr M. A. M. Ramaswamy for whom he had won more than 50 Classics and for whose patronage he is very grateful. Alas, it was not to be as Jagdish called it off on the threshold of creating history. Much later, Vasant Shinde got the distinction of being the first Indian jockey to complete 100 classic winners followed by Pesi Shroff and B Prakash.

Jagdish’s two sons, Vijay Singh and Bharath Singh are successful trainers.