The Hindu : Sport : Dr. M.A.M. Ramaswamy felicitated

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Tuesday, Jan 15, 2008
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Dr. M.A.M. Ramaswamy felicitated

Special Correspondent

— Photo: V. Ganesan

RARE ACHIEVEMENT: Dr. M.A.M. Ramaswamy (right) was felicitated by K. Parasaran (left) on Monday. Also seen is R. Ramakrishnan.

CHENNAI: “Winning one race is difficult. Winning a classic is even more difficult. Winning 100 classics is unimaginable. Winning 500 classics is unthinkable.” That statement by R. Ramakrishnan, Madras Race Course Appeals Board chairman, set the tone for the evening.

A host of dignitaries extolled Dr M.A.M. Ramaswamy’s rare achievement at a function organised on Monday by the MRC to honour and felicitate him.

Justice S. Natarajan, retired Judge of the Supreme Court, said: “it was a memorable chapter in the annals of racing history (502 classic wins).” For what he had done to keep racing alive, he had been justly rewarded, he said.

Mr N. Murali, Managing Director, The Hindu, said when Dr. Ramaswamy touched his 500 classic race mark on December 22, 2007 it was ‘sporting history’. “In cricket or tennis records that looked unbreakable have been scaled. But this achievement is a peak that will remain untouched,” he added.

Apollo Hospitals Group Chairman, Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, former India cricket captain K. Srikkanth and K. Balarama Das, Deputy Chairman, MRC also praised Dr. Ramaswamy’s achievements.

In his presidential address, K. Parasaran, former Attorney-General of India, said the function itself was a “classical way to celebrate the achievement of one who had won 500 classics.”

Mr. Parasaran said the ‘achievement’ was just one aspect of ‘MAM’, who he said was known for his generosity, affection and love.

“He has the drive, he endeavours and he has the capacity,” he said while describing the qualities of MAM and the efforts he had taken and challenges he had faced to ensure racing continued in the State.

Mr. Parasaran presented a memento to Dr. Ramaswamy as fireworks lit up the night sky.

Passion for horses

Replying to the felicitations, Dr Ramaswamy said, “it was passion and love for horses, the efforts of trainers and jockeys and luck” that had brought him this far. “I do not wish to stop here but continue,” he said.

Before Javeed Ghatala, Committee member, MRC, proposed a vote of thanks, MAM’s well-wishers were given an opportunity to congratulate him.

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