He has objected to the contents of a piece about his ride on Set Alight in the Indian Derby run at Mahalaxmi on April 12. Set Alight, the piping hot favourite owned by Dr Vijay Mallya, lost the race, after which Malesh had faced considerable flak. Over 25,000 racing fans had witnessed the Derby at the Mahalaxmi racetrack this year, and Set Alight's loss turned into the biggest controversy of the truncated Mumbai season that ended on Sunday, May 3.
Cole is one of the oldest racing record books that has been in existence since 1920. It has always been the highest selling race book in western India for the last 89 years.
The allegedly defamatory article had appeared in Cole's edition dated April 19 and was written by its racing correspondent Bob Sawhney. The headline of the article was in all capital letters and read: "UNBELIEVABLY SINFUL & HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS RIDE CAUSES SET ALIGHT TO LOSE DERBY".
Excerpts from Bob Sawhney’s article state that: ‘Mallesh Narredu shockingly rode the filly (the writer means Set Alight) like an absolute crazy novice’. In the next para Sawhney goes on to say: ‘Then, worst of all, as a nervous wreck, Narredu sent Set Alight zooming into the lead, too unbelievably soon, near the 600m, which as per his crazy version, was done because he did not want to take a chance in getting hampered. Concerning the fact that Narredu was speaking and giving explanations, like a lunatic with totally fanatic views, the earlier, the powers that be of The RWTIC – in the interests of the racing public, admit Narredu, to a good lunatic asylum, for sometime, the better it would be for himself and racing in India’.
The notice by Advocate Girish Kulkarni sates: “My client (Malesh Narredu) is one of the best Professional Jockeys in India. He has won about 1635 horse races all over India and abroad with a commendable winner to rides percentage. He has also won 108 Graded Stakes races including 41 Grade I races. He has also won 53 Classic Races, the Indian Triple Crown and 17 Derbies all over India. He has been Champion Jockey for 13 times. My client has represented India in various races in Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Ireland and South Africa. My client has won the Kingfisher Banglore Derby held on 13/07/2008. He was the Champion for 2008 Poona Races and awarded Racing Award, which has been introduced for the first time. My client has won the Best Jockey Award for 2008 and was a member of International Jockey Team representing India for South Africa Races. My client has earned good reputation due to his sincerity, hard work and professional skills in Racing Field."
The notice further warns the publication: “You have committed the offence of Defamation under the Indian Penal Code and you are liable for a criminal and/civil prosecution for the same. However, my client (Narredu) wishes to give you an opportunity to rectify your misdeeds/illegal acts before taking any stringent action."
The notice demands “a written apology” to Narredu, and asks to “publish the same in Cole Race Card and all leading newspapers within 7 days of the receipt of this notice by you failing which my client (Narredu) shall be constrained to initiate criminal and/civil proceedings against you in appropriate courts of law which shall be entirely at your risks as to costs and consequences."
When I contacted Malesh Narredu to ask what prompted him to take legal action, he said, "The article makes comments and claims which are blatantly false, malicious and defamatory. No jockey of my standing can just ignore such personal accusations."
Advocate Girish Kulkarni, the jockey's lawyer, confirmed to MiD DAY that the notice has been sent on May 2. However, the editor, printer & publisher of Cole, Vijay Adwalia, told MiD DAY he has not received the notice yet.
(Source: MiD DAY, May 5, 2009)
poor cole will pay for bob sahny's irresponsiblity.
ReplyDeleteHeight of irresponsible journalism. Make them pay. Well done Narredu.
ReplyDeleteK Subba Rao Mysore
In any case these wont be an apology..So the case goes on in the courts...When case about to end and judge ready to deliver his verdict then loosing party(by the time they will come to know)
ReplyDeletewill go for out of court settlement.In my calculation this case may go minimum 4yrs in single court.
ulta chor kotwal ko date
ReplyDeleteI can't even imagine anyone can write like that. Who is Bob Sawhney? Is he a known figure?
ReplyDeleteFirst up I don't have any sympathy for the jockey because I think he rode SA badly. But never thought Cole could print something like that. After reading the thing I feel that 'crazy, madman and a lunatic with fanatic views' applies more to the writer than the rider.
ReplyDeleteThat Bob Sawney himself fits the bill of what he attributes to Narredu. Did he not know, as a journalist that these words were not in the right perspective? Is he so ignorant? This is critisism at its worst by any standards. Even Cole has to take the blame. The image of Cole has also taken a severe beating. The jockey may have been at fault but Cole and Bob have blundered in their duties as well. Now what do they have to say?
ReplyDeleteWhy does Malesh, or anybody else for that matter, need to pay heed to what Bob Sawhney had to write in Cole? Cant u see his initials -'B.S'? We all know what that stands for and isnt that what the writer has been forcing down on the readers? Cole is a reputed edition and respected too. Wonder what action Cole will take against this foul piece of "B S". Cheers and happy racing.
ReplyDeleteBoy may have overreacted but the jockey surely deserved to be criticized.
ReplyDeleteHow could Cole of all the books could allow this cheap words in thier books surprise me. I was shocked when i read what bob sawny wrote. it was in very poor taste. Lokks like Cole has no code of conduct. Sawny's write-up is very unpleasent. Poor editing from cole. Even the headline "Ace jockey caught" in mum mirror shows racing in poor light specially to those who dont race. Some jounalists have no class - V-B 2. Wish Ron Hendricks and Talyarkhan were still around. cole was pathetic, really.
ReplyDeleteWhenever a hot favourite ridden by Narredu lost, Cest Bon, Set Alight and umpteen horses - he passed on a negative signal during paddock parade (If the cole can provide the video of all those races Narredu lost as favourites) I can show the "signal" and NAIL this Narredu for his life. Every time he ridden a losing favourite beforehand he was knowing it is going to lose, even he was knowing Set Alight would loose. I am ready to help the Cole Publishers and Bob Sawhney to defend this case and nail Narredu and punish him for his sinful acts.
ReplyDeleteFor the time being I am keeping my identity, I reveal my identity if the Cole publishers or Bob responds to my post through this column.
Mallesh Narredu get a life. Since your lawyer has chosen to mention all your credentials, he should also mention the number of favorites hooked by you as also the number of times you have been suspended by the club for various reasons, (part of sentence deleted by blog moderator). If you were to ask me you have just brought racing to disrepute (part of sentence deleted by moderator)
ReplyDeleteEverything said and done, be a man learn how to take a knock on the chin and move on. You are bound to be criticised, coz if anything the ride was pathetic and how are you going to explain the fine, penalised on you for the same ride by the club, or do you plan to take the RWITC to court too.
Next you'll have the thousands of punters having lost money on you taking you to court for recovery.
Show some wisdom, criticism is going to come your way, and knowing how thick skinned you are, im surprised that you are worried about whatever little is left of your reputation.
Yes Bob Sawhny has been fluid in his adjectives, yet i dont see him having crossed any limits or having used anything vulgar, and if you were to regularly read his editorials, they are very much of a similar nature when commenting on lost favourites.
Oh Dear Anonymous, 'Oh Dear' is an expression of alarm, hence the address. From ur reponse I see that YOU r sending all the wrong signals. And if what u claim should have any substance, why dont u send a note to Cole or Blob...sorry Bob, of the privy knowledge u possess? If u can 'Mail' to cole and help tham 'Nail' Malesh Bob will 'Hail' you.
ReplyDeleteI must, however, admire you. Very few would part with such exclusive information. This signal u talk about must have earned you a fortune and would in future too fetch u millions. This is a fairy tale sacrifice you are willing to take for Cole and Bob touches me at the core of my heart and tears of admiration are blurring my eyes. You are giving up the oppotunity of having leading bookmakers queing up outside ur house and offering you all the goodies u can think of.But you are honest and forthright and you will stand up against injustice even though it means opening up the most precious of ur information, just to Nail the very source that has obviously proved so lucrative to you and you alone. The big Zero that u will remain with you after the revelation will surely soar above your head and glow like a halo over an angel, above ur head. Now u only need to clean shave, wear a white robe and carry a wand with a star on top.
PS: Cole's contact details havent changed in decades. It is printed in every edition. I fail to understand why you respond to this blog and blow ur 'besura' trumpet?
i like the exchange between anonymus & pervez kola. keep'em coming
ReplyDeleteHey Dude, Get your facts right. M.Narredu suspended a number of times? for hooking? malpractice? For ur info, Narredu was suspended for three months in pune for losing on a horse which was at longer odds and not a favorite. The only other occasion he was suspended was in Banaglore for a questionable ride. these are the only two occasions he has been suspended.
ReplyDeleteNarredu's career spans close to 25 years. If he was as currupt as he is made out to be, would he have lasted this long? Mallya, Dhunjibhoy, MAM, Khaitan, Nanda, Shirke, Singhania and many more high profile owners have given him mounts. Would they... if they doubted his integrity? If he is hooking horses as percieved, would any of these ever entertain him again? Can they not finish his career? Especially if thier trainers too felt the same as you do? Now, you go get a life, dude, and support you allegations with facts. It is easy to jump to conclusions and vent frustrations. Narredu rides in every center in the country, do u mean stewards at all centers are blind to notice his misdeeds if he ever indulged? Has any serious charges such as intent of malpractise stuck with narredu? Crooks cannot last for 20 odd years and Narredu is one of the few jockeys who has remained at the top for most of his long career. EVen Shroff has not abandoned him after the Derby, has he? WHy not? The rumour mongers have been having a field day baying for his blood for far too long. He took it on his chin all the while. He is easily the most criticised pro in the business. Bob went a step too far and for the first time he has responded with a fitting reply. He is entitled to take his course of action. If anyone thinks Set Alight was hooked, one should pity his assessment and not call him a lunatic despite the signs. let Narredu take his decisions, let us hate him or love him for what he is. However, making rude comments is not the name of the game in any sport. Especially for a responsible edition as the Cole.
Well said and done, whenever MN looses a race whetehr fav or public choice, on getting back to the paddock after the race, he would always sport a cunning smile to the thunderous roaring of the racingt punters of booing him.
Deletealways rational is ur info accurate? coz if u r right then im surprised abt the propaganda againt narredu for so many yrs going on. the question is if what u tell is truth then why narredu kept quiet for so long?
ReplyDeleteDear Washi, When the barking is from a distance, one doesnt bother. but when the bark becomes a nuisance and there is a threat that there could be a bite to follow, everyone takes evasive, defensive action or a counter attack is propogated. I feel narredu is justified to take this step albeit belatedly.
ReplyDeleteThere is a rumor Narredu is going to sue them for damages worth 5 crore. Is it true Mr Gosavi? Can you please confirm this?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteIf Narredu would have done thie, he should be liable for answering to the poor people like us those who were sure of getting money back with some extra amount by playing horse like SETALIGHT
ReplyDeleteBob Sawhney and Cole (my favorite race book) need to be taken to court for their demeaning and humiliating piece on jockey M. Narredu (not my favorite). The immediate uproar of the 25,000 people at the racecourse is understandable. The shock of Set Alight’s maiden loss would have numbed even the professionals and the connections alike. Whatever reaction immediately after the Derby ought to be attributed to as impulsive and in the heat of the moment.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the article was published much after the event so one cannot dismiss it as an impulsive reaction. The writer had enough time to make his analysis and he has obviously written this after adequate thought. Hence, it is clear that the write up was well thought out and intentionally published to malign Narredu. This is not something that can pass off as a general and well-meaning criticism. Narredu has done what anyone with any standing would do – take a legal course of action against those responsible for defaming the jockey. Go for it Narredu and get those who ‘write injudiciously’!
Mallesh Narredu is not a honestperson and it is 100% sure and the people who are playing for more than 2 decades know about him.He may get excuse by saying that he has to obey the trainers but even then he is an abettar. Document can be proved inthe court of law but his case should be in the hands of justice ie WITH HIM Oneday or other he hjas to answer to the almighty
ReplyDeleteM.Narredu and his spokesman Always Rational, first get the fine imposed by the club reversed for the very same derby ride, before even thinking of dragging anyone to court and making a laughing stock of yourself.
ReplyDeleteDear Dude, I would really like to discuss with you the point you have raised and which, due to the policy of this blog, I have edited out from your post twice. If you could just send me your mail address to gosavi@mid-day.com, I would be happy to explain to you why I have done it.
ReplyDeletePrakash Gosavi
Well, I feel that Mallesh was shown in the light that Bob thinks of him , and as a Jurno , he has every right to do so, Mallesh's intent and riding skills for whatever they are can be questioned in this case , which is what is being done , (part of sentence deleted by blog moderator) In my opinion neither Cole nor Bob need to make any apology for questioning the ride. It clearly was a dubious one at best and if he is that experienced it definitely fits the tag. Please do not waste tears and the courts time. On the contrary if one should look at it from a different perspective it is Mallesh who should give a Public Apology for his actions in the race to the racing public, owner etc.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dude, please check you mail for my reply.
ReplyDeletePrakash Gosavi
hai Mr.praksh, I am a senior citizen and playing horse race as a Hobby. but in my experience there are somany who are keeping this as a profession but ofcourse i cannot stop them as they have some reasons too.But one thing sure, Jockey like Mallesh Narredu should not be still in these field and should retire. His earnings are more (part of sentence deleted by blog moderator as being accusatory without evidence). Atleast you are helping us to share our view through this May God Bless for the truth
ReplyDelete(Msg recd at 00.15 am, posted by blog moderator at 01.59 am)
Dude, What the stewards said was 'injudicious', what Bob said was 'sinful', 'suspicious', 'crazy', 'novice', 'lunatic', 'fanatic' etc. Though your name rhymes with 'crude' I am sure your brain is not. So whay not accept Bob has messed up bigtime? I feel sorry for cole they will be paying hard for bob's folly.
ReplyDeletelisten always rational the way you taking all this so personally, you are either M Narredu using an alias or you're someone who really sucks up to him, your command over the english language is pathetic. To make a moron understand this simply, what the club said was "please go out" and what Bob said was "get out"...both imply the same, while one was courteous the other was in your face. And please grow up...if sinful, suspicious, crazy, novice etc. are words you are going to sue people for, you sure need to go back to school.
ReplyDeleteDude,
ReplyDelete# Most of the readers on this forum would feel YOU are the one who needs to go to school. (Note i didnt use the word 'back to school').
#If u say "any moron would understand" u are wrong. Did YOU?
#As for the mastery over the english language, I will overlook it since it is coming from you.
#i am not Narredu and I am also not a DUDE who sucks up to ANYONE. Even the thought wouldnt occur to me to include such personal outburst agianst an unknown person in my post.
#I have not taken anything personally and I am only placing my opinion as I feel it, as you do -m your stance.
#Since I have at least gone to school, I would refrain from retorting to your unsavory comments in your impeccable language which I expected the moderator to thorw in the trash where it deserves to be.
#whatever I have stated are facts for all to see.
#Bob's words in Cole were simply unaccepable and let the courts decide on that matter, until then do rest in peace. Godspeed!
Gosavi can you finally thorw light if bob/cole are giving apology or not?
ReplyDeleteDear Mr Gosavi, That Dude is rude. How did ur moderator miss out his insulting remarks to Always Rational? No wonder he supports Bob. Happy to see the reply posted by Always Rational. There is a fitting reply and he has not lacked in polish.
ReplyDeleteOne can take any side on the matter but dude's personal attack is not in the right spirit. It is the bookies who make the jockey's mounts favorites and so many undeserving faorites are backed without thought. More than half the favorites have no business to run at the odds offered.
A healthy debate is always interesting but impolite and crass remarks will degenerate ur blog which is just blossoming. Take care of this blog. It is interesting and frank and shows a lot of 'class'. Let not some rough Dudes pose any threat. As for the reply he got from Always Rational, all I can say is 'poor dude'!
Hey dude !!! why dont you jus shut up!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteayye DUDE!! u say he has got racing to disrepute??? do you even know his achievments??? (sentence deleted by Blog Moderator) by the way why are you taking only Bob Shawney's side!You say that always rationals english language is pathetic!!DUDE it's just that the standard of english is too high for you!!!
ReplyDeleteHas this BOB CHAPPY ever ridden a horse let alone a race? If not, he should not make such statements on riding skills.
ReplyDeleteI suspect he has no knowledge of riding and now confirmed has no dignity in writing!!!
If those were Bob's words I am thunderstruck.I suspect he must have lost a personal fortune on "SA" to have said that and in that manner.I have heard ,there is something called ethics in journalism.
ReplyDeletelooks like that bob and dude are brothers. twin brothers. Striking resemblance in thier scripting.
ReplyDeleteDear
ReplyDeleteMr.Gosavi, My friend Mr Sharma always used to say insead of playing odds on favourite ten times, play one or two good odds horses every day will fetch you income and also that risk factor is lesser as you said earlier. and also the we should not play favourites when Mallesh Narredu sits.as he is such a nice person who used to play with the poors.Each and every one should follow this.Not only Narredu but there are some Jockeys who are the followers of Mallesh.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteIf I remember right, Bob has used something similar language thru his column when Diabolical thrashed Southern Empire. He has used same type of language several times in the past against Dhunjibhoy also. So nothing new in it.
Cheersx
Pulling a horse is tougher than winning in the final statges that only a few knows and the jockey with that skills should have black wrist. Now i remember once in a English news paper. Satish Narredu , brother of Mallesh told that his brother has got the capacity to win when three or more comes very closer in the finish.One in ten lakh of population will become jockey and among them very few will become leading jockeys that they also know and for this they should thank God by becoming familier and also becoming lakhpathy. They should use this talent in genuine purposes then they will be blessed and appreciated by one and all otherwise they will be getting curse by poor people.If trainer wants to pull, dont accept the mounts. Each and every jocky should do. Then automatically trainers will never ask for this sort of advice to jockies. Then they need not tell the owners, that they will pull when it is a favourite and win when they get good odds. Naturally what the handicapper will do, as has to follow certain rules.sit
ReplyDeleteDear Gosavi sir, can u explain the above post from anonymous? I simple fail to understand what he is trying to say? Can A N Y O N E for that matter tell me what this gent/lady is trying to say? please, this post will give me sleepless nights.
ReplyDeleteCole & Bob will win this case hands down. All they have to do is to inform the the Court that even RWITC has fined this "champion jockey" 10,000/00, one of the biggest fines in recent times, proving that the ride given by Malesh to Set Alight was not adequate. Racing fraternity should come forward & help Cole & Bob, as this is once in a lifetime opportunity. Otherwise, they should shut up & take whatever this jockey dishes out to them.
ReplyDeleteExtremely sorry for explaining late as i was not well.This is the answer for the post on May 11th.What I was trying to say is that Racing should be in fair manner and adjustment between the trainers and owners should not be.If it is so dont allow the poors for the race course as they may not be aware of it.Even if they know they cannot compete with the big shots. No one will accept this public
ReplyDeleteMr Anonymous we presume you are replying to Mr J Pinto's post of March 11. We request you that instead of just posting as Anonymous, please assume some internet identity by using the NAME/URL option when filling the comment form (pl refer to the article titled "How to post anonymously" on this blog for further information for instructions.) That's a good way of avoiding confusion when readers or posters have to respond to your posts.
ReplyDeleteModerator its better you knock off the Anonymous option.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the latest on this saga ? Any "settlement" has been reached ? Do keep us informed since the whole racing world is interested.
ReplyDeleteMalesh is a good jockey no doubt and thats why he lasted so long, its his integrity which is in question. Dhunjibhoy and Malesh are two sides of the same coin, Mallya does not understand horses or airlines, MAM is a turf baron and can read a race, no wonder Malesh was shown the door. Bob should have been discreet though.
ReplyDelete