NARAYAN SINGH — A LIFE ON THE INDIAN TURF
Early Years — From Jockey to Trainer (Pre-1956)
Narayan Singh’s horse racing journey began in the saddle. Starting as a jockey riding for M. C. Patel, he developed a deep, instinctive understanding of Thoroughbreds under race pressure and the delicate balance between speed and stamina — lessons that later formed the core of his training philosophy. He rode in Rajkot and Delhi, gaining practical knowledge that would serve him well in years to come.
Returning to Bombay in the mid-1950s, he made the decisive transition from rider to trainer — a move that would define his life’s work in Indian racing.
Taking Out a License — Idar Stable (1956)
In April 1956, Narayan Singh took out his trainer’s license as the private trainer to the princely stable of Idar. His first runner under the new license, His Lordship, delivered a commanding four-length victory — a telling start that announced his potential as a trainer with both patience and skill.
First Major Success — Fair Wood’s Origins (Late 1950s)
In the late 1950s, Narayan Singh was responsible for the early conditioning and development of the colt Vandyke, who later won the Indian Derby as Fair Wood — underscoring his ability to line up young talent for great success.
Historic Classic Success — Rose de Bahama (1959-60)
The winter season of 1959-60 remains one of Narayan Singh’s most celebrated chapters. Under his training, the filly Rose de Bahama, owned by H.H. The Maharaja of Idar, achieved a rare Classic treble:
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🐎 Indian 2000 Guineas (Gr.1)
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🐎 Indian Oaks (Gr.1)
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🐎 Indian Derby (Gr.1)
This sweep of the major three-year-old Classics — especially for a filly competing against colts — was unprecedented and stood unmatched for decades in Indian turf history.
In the 1960 Indian Derby, Rose de Bahama won decisively, giving Narayan Singh one of the most memorable victories of his career.
Her Classic achievements confirmed Narayan Singh’s training mastery — a trainer who not only understood how to prepare fillies and colts tactically but could condition them to peak when it mattered most.
Beyond the Classics — Later 1960s
Following these triumphs, Rose de Bahama continued to run with distinction, winning prestigious races like the Willingdon Cup at Poona and the Brabourne Cup at Bombay, further enhancing the reputation of her trainer.
Narayan Singh’s early years at Idar set a pattern of excellence — combining judicious handling, careful race selection, and long-term conditioning that brought out the best in his horses.
Transition and Contribution — Pratap Stud & Bangalore (1970s–1980s)
When the Idar stable reduced its racing interests, Narayan Singh played a key role in helping establish Pratap Stud, bringing his training and horsemanship insights into breeding and long-term bloodstock development.
He later moved to Bangalore, where he trained for Sardar Darshan Singh Ghumman, producing Classic winners such as:
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Sarb-Kla
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Ekta
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Anekta
His time in Bangalore demonstrated his versatility — able to adapt to a different racing centre and continue producing high-class performers.
Final Chapters — Calcutta (1990s)
In the early 1990s, Narayan Singh moved to Calcutta, bringing decades of experience to the eastern circuit. Even in his later years, he remained engaged with racing, mentoring younger trainers and applying his deep practical knowledge to condition horses for competitive performance.
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
Narayan Singh stood out for his deep horsemanship:
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Every horse is an individual — trained according to its physical and mental makeup
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Patience over pace — ensuring soundness before speed
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Reading the racehorse from the saddle to the paddock — a perspective few trainers bring with such intimacy
These principles helped him succeed across multiple decades and racing hubs.
LEGACY
Narayan Singh’s legacy transcends wins and stakes. He remains remembered as:
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A trainer of Classic dominance, especially through Rose de Bahama’s remarkable sweep of Indian Classics.
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A horseman’s horseman — respected for integrity, patience, and intuitive conditioning
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A mentor whose influence lived on through those he trained, taught, and inspired
His son, Mahindar Singh Rathore, later became one of India’s leading racing analysts and voices, further ensuring that Narayan Singh’s contribution to the sport remains part of the living memory of Indian horse racing.
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