Every now and then, a trainer is fortunate to get a champion who alters the course of a professional`s life itself. One such wonder horse was Jacqueline, a bay filly by King Charlemagne out of Talita Kumi.

Like a true champion, Jacqueline took pride and pleasure in the thrill of victory and suffered the odd loss with dignity.. She always wanted to be better than the rest and sought challenges and relished the thrill of fulfilling them.

	Jacqueline (R Hughes up) winner of the HDIL Indian Oaks (Gr.1), being led in by Mr.Vijay B Shirke, Mr.K N Dhunjibhoy & Mr.Berjis Minoo Desai

Endowed with a stout heart and ability that only a few thoroughbreds possessed, Jacqueline achieved what no other race horse in the world accomplished in the long history of racing. Jacqueline won four Classics, the Indian 1000 Guineas, the 2000 Guineas, the Indian Oaks, and finally, that most coveted prize, the Indian Derby. Her spectacular acceleration, never say die attitude was something the race goers will remember for a long time to come. Jacqueline has assured herself a place in the Racing Hall of Fame. As I prepare to send her to embark on a new career in the Nanoli Stud, I have a tinge of sadness that I have to retire her from racing.

Jackie as she was affectionately called gave us immense pleasure and had become part of my everyday existence during the last four months as she conquered everything that was there to be won. Though I have ridden innumerable champions and privileged to train many great horses, Jackie will always enjoy a special place in my heart.

Jackie was an immensely talented horse whose intelligence was something to be admired. The ease with which she changed gears as it were, her indomitable spirit that allowed her to take on horses which were infinitely stronger in build, her guts which prevented even the ``boys`` from intimidating her are qualities that will be spoken about for a long time to come.

The joy that she brought to her owners, the Shirkes, the Dhunjibhoys and the Desais with each of her conquests is something that is difficult to put in words. Jacqueline had literally reduced the three grown up men as kids as they embraced, jumped, danced and kissed each other in delight at each of the spectacular wins.

Richard Hughes, who rode her with great understanding, will never forget her implicit obedience and generous response to his commands, even when she was in deep order. She required no more than hands and heels and gentle reminders to give of her best.

Jacqueline was so affectionate that she would not eat her feed until her groom Swaroop Singh Inda gave her a soothing back massage

My wife, Tina will remember all the gentle qualities of Jacqueline that made her so dear to her heart.

The Racing Public will remember her with awe, the little filly that won eight of her eleven starts to standing ovations which she visibly enjoyed and acknowledged albeit without any demonstration like a film star.