Mumbai: He was banned once (for three months) for passing information to another expelled jockey in 2010. Though it took time but jockey Darren Williams recovered his license and is now riding in the 2015 edition of Indian Derby here at the Mahalaxmi Race Course.
His horse – Shivalik Storm – could be the dark one this derby. It is one of the rare horses who beat Be Safe – the favourite – once.
Shivalik also finished third in Pune Derby.
Jockey Darren Williams (Photo: DC)
Williams, who is from England, never felt inclined to football or cricket – the two-most played sport in the country. However, he has connections with footballers.
“Michael Chopra is a friend of mine. He recently spent quite a lot of time in India for the Indian Super League football tournament (playing for Sachin Tendulkar co-owned team Kerala Blasters),” said Williams, who rode for more than 12 years in England.
This is not all. The Englishman also rode horses of Liverpool soccer stars.
“I’ve ridden winners for Michael Owen and Sami Hyypia too,” he added.
Horse racing is popular in Great Britain and one of the oldest. The sport has been there since Roman times. Some major events like Royal Ascot and Cheltenham Festival rule the roost during weekends.
“England celebrates football more than cricket but races are popular on Saturdays,” said Williams, who has ridden more than 600 winners.
Williams also raced in middle east (Qatar) and hence, he has no problems adjusting to the heat in the Indian subcontinent.
About the track in Royal Western India Turf Club here, he said: “The track seems to be in good condition, my horse is in top class form too. Let’s hope we can beat Be Safe one more time.”
