KARACHI: Rehmania Riding School ceased to exist a couple of years ago yet a billboard depicting its name at the main entrance of Karachi Race Club (KRC) reminds race-goers of the contribution it made towards producing scores of riders and trainers in the yesteryear.

Established by a retired soldier Abdul Rehman at the old racecourse in 1958, the school made a viable contribution for the uplift of horse racing when it was at its peak.

Rehman, who was official training instructor at the KRC, was considered a towering figure for his passion towards equine sports and grooming ordinary riders into champion jockeys.

After his demise, his son and former jockey Abdul Qadir continued the legacy of his father till Jan 10, 2013 when he was shown the door. The latter expired on Dec 8 last year at the age of 75.

Knowledgeable sources told Dawn that jockeys Jehangir Ali, Hanif, Bostan alongside Qadir were among others who hit headlines with their shining performances after the school came into being. While Jahangir won the Quaid-i-Azam Gold Cup, Hanif went a step ahead by capturing both the Pakistan Derby and the Quaid Cup.

Commenting on the contribution made by father and his son, former jockey Jehangir said the school served as a nursery by polishing the skills of amateur riders.

Qadir fathered 24 children from two wives and some of his sons have inherited horse racing. One of his sons, Abdul Waheed Siddiqui, teaches equine sports at a private institution.

The premises of the school has been converted into stables and rented out to chairman of the club, Faisal Farooq, officials said while responding to Dawn’s queries.

Meanwhile, the horse racing fraternity has demanded of the KRC management to re-establish the riding school in the larger interest of the club.

Proper training of amateur riders and trainers under the supervision of an expert is need of the hour for the betterment of horse racing. Besides, people like Rehman, Qadir and others who have served the KRC for decades, should be remembered at least by instituting annual cups after their illustrious names.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2015

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