A remarkable display of skill, strategy, and teamwork was on full display at the Kolkata races on Thursday, as the dynamic duo of Rajesh and Suraj Narredu pulled off an extraordinary feat—winning four races back-to-back. The elder brother, Suraj - the champion jockey from Mumbai - took the reins, while Rajesh, the younger sibling and a talented trainer, orchestrated their triumphs from the sidelines.
The winning streak kicked off with a victory in the Ich Dien Plate, setting the perfect tone for what would turn out to be a spectacular day at the races. The duo continued their dominance, clinching wins in the Tambourine Man Handicap, The Tokaido Express Handicap, and capping off their incredible run with a victory in The Indian Gold Vase. Their success on home soil now serves as the perfect send-off, as they prepare to take their talents to Dubai for international horse racing exposure.
Speaking after their historic achievement, Rajesh, the younger of the two, expressed his joy at their unprecedented success. “This is truly special. It’s a rare achievement, and for the first time in our family’s history, we have won four consecutive races in a single day,” he said with pride.
Suraj, the seasoned jockey with over 1,000 Classic race wins under his belt, echoed his brother’s sentiments while emphasizing the importance of teamwork. “Yes, I may be two years older, but at the end of the day, it is teamwork that makes such things possible. It’s a collective effort, and we are thrilled with what we have achieved today,” he stated.
The Narredu family has been synonymous with horse racing in India for over seven decades, establishing itself as a dominant force in the sport. Their journey dates back to the early 1960s when Satish Narredu, a reluctant school backbencher, was encouraged—almost forced—into racing by his father. Little did they know that this decision would lay the foundation for one of India’s most illustrious racing families.
From those humble beginnings, the Narredu name has become a fixture at racing venues across the country, earning widespread respect and admiration.
Suraj’s uncle Mallesh Narredu is also champion jockey and trainer from Mumbai.
Yash, son of Satish’s younger brother Mallesh, is a rising star in the sport. Having obtained his professional riding license in April this year, the young jockey has already made an impact with seven wins in just over 30 starts.
The Narredu family's contributions to Indian horse racing are unmatched, with multiple generations leaving their mark on the sport. Mallesh, a celebrated jockey in his prime, has passed on the baton to the younger generation, with Suraj leading the charge, followed closely by Rajesh. Their latest achievement in Kolkata further cements their reputation as one of the most formidable names in the racing circuit.
Adding to the family’s recent success, Yash's horse, Safe, secured a memorable win in the Colts Championship in Bangalore, bringing yet another prestigious title to the Narredu household.
With an unwavering passion for racing and a commitment to excellence, the Narredu brothers continue to push boundaries, setting new benchmarks in Indian horse racing. As they now turn their focus to Dubai, the racing world eagerly watches to see what new milestones they will conquer on the international stage.
