Dr MAM Ramaswamy, the man who put India on the world horse-racing map, was felicitated by the Karnataka Race Horse Owner’s Association for the unique achievement of 500 Classic winners at the Bangalore Turf Club here on Friday.

Ramaswamy, who has been in the field of racing for close to four decades, credits his unbriddled passion for racing for his achievement.  “It’s my undying passion for racing that has kept me going all these years,‘’ said an elated Ramaswamy, the owner of more than 1000 horses.

Ramaswamy, who achieved the rare feat with Classic Sky’s success at the Hastings Race Course on December 22 last year, was felicitated later by the trainer’s association as well. The man, who is known to be superstitious wearing the same colour tie and coat for every race, was tight-lipped when asked to choose his best horse. “It’s tough to choose one. Southern Empire, Diabolical, Mystical have all won important races”.

“Ramaswamy has a team of dedicated trainers and jockeys who gell together as a cohesive unit. No wonder they have won a record races and I don’t see anyone coming close to that magic number of 500,” said Ashok Raghavan, the secretary of Karnataka Race Horse Owner’s Association.

And one of his trusted lieutenants is trainer Ganapathy who has been working with him since 2001. “It’s a great achievement no doubt. We have been working together for almost seven years now and the results are there to be seen,” said Ganapathy who created history last year by training Mystical to glory in the Dubai Classics and thereby becoming the first trainer to have a horse contested abroad.