Shreyas to make film on derbywinning horse

Actor Shreyas Talpade is planning to make a film on one of his favourite horses. Named Rochester, the horse had won the classic Indian derby, one of the biggest races in the country, defeating some illustrious rivals in February this year. But after an accident some time back, the 4-year-old colt passed away recently in Pune.

“Rochester met with an unfortunate accident while appearing on the race track for the first time after a summer break, where he suffered a serious injury on the poll [the area between the ears] after he reared up and fell while going out for a morning workout. It is heartbreaking because this courageous horse had earlier defeated death in 2016 when he had fought a life-threatening colic infection,” says a dejected Shreyas. “Post the surgery, racing was not an option for Rochester, but despite complications, he battled all odds and went on to win the classic Indian Derby. It was his trainer Shiraz Sunderji and the owner Akhtar Peerbhoy’s belief in this horse that prompted them to train him,” Shreyas adds.

Rochester’s unexpected win and the unsual story of his trainer Shiraz Sunderji’s belief in him, stirred Shreyas to make the film.

“I had been in touch with horse owners and trainers ever since Rochester came across the fateful accident, and kept checking about his health and recovery. He was recovering well. But on June 4, his health suddenly declined, and he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. I feel like I knew him for ages and as if I have lost someone really close to me.”

However, after Rochester’s death, Shreyas is more determined than ever to make the film. The Poster Boys (2017) director has been working on the script.

Shreyas Talpade with Rochester