Success comes from the passion in one’s heart, combined with a bit of luck to achieve one of the greatest milestones in life. With this passion, a young boy began his journey to become the legendary jockey in Indian horse racing history. From watching the jockeys reaching the finish line to being one of them was a triumphant journey for Aslam Kader.
Living near the race track, Aslam Kader’s interest in horse racing was sparked by frequent trips with his friends to watch the fascinating sport. Soon after, he applied to become a trainee jockey. In 1978, he received his license, bringing new hope for his future. Although he was the last of his group of trainees to secure a ride, Kader made a remarkable debut, finishing third aboard the filly Hennessy during the 1979 Pune season.
After his first win, his horse riding career took an up-and-down journey. However, between the 1980s and 2000s, Aslam Kader and Vasant Shinde engaged in a head-to-head competition, dominating the track with their exceptional skills and fierce rivalry, while setting record numbers of wins and sharing the spotlight.
With his rising career, Aslam Kader received unwavering admiration from the fans. One of his true fans coined the phrase “Aslam Kader, Sabka Father”, which quickly became well-known to all his followers. Everytime he stepped onto the tracks he could hear the passionate cheering of his fans echoing through the stands.
The 1993-1994 Mumbai season was exceptional in Aslam’s riding career as achieved various record breaking milestones. He delivered an outstanding performance on one day, riding six consecutive winners, and set the record for the most wins in a Mumbai season, with 77 victories.
Throughout his career Aslam Kader, nicknamed AK-47 (a nod to his feather like weight), marked his victory in over 1700 races with over 80 classics. He has been titled the champion jockey, 9 times in Bengaluru and three times in Mumbai. He wrote his name in the racing history by winning three Indian Derbies with Astonish – 1992, Astronomic – 1993 and on Elusive Pimpernel- 1995 and won two invitational races one on Super Brave – 1994 and second Elusive Pimpernel – 1995. Some of his unforgettable major wins were on Classic Style, Executive Force, Academic, Astounding, Charon, Treasure Wind, Menorah and Sir Bruce.
Aslam Kader had immense support from his family. His wife, always by his side, kept him in her prayers. Grateful for her unwavering devotion, the legendary jockey believes that it was her love and devotion that protected him from the major accident on Pune’s track. Although he retired from jockeying in 2003 after breaking his collarbone, he continues to share his knowledge and passion with new generations eager to pursue careers in horse racing.
As a reflection of his on-track rivalry and off-track bond with Vasant Shinde, Aslam Kader hopes to one day watch new, passionate riders build their own legacies. He’s a man who believes in fate but never accepts defeat as it is, without finding and working on the areas he lacked in.
As a sportsman, he has grasped one of life’s few secrets: true success comes to those who pour their heart into their work. Therefore, one should never be forced to become something they are not or do not want to be, and the path of life should be followed with the heart.
