India’s Champion Horse of the Year Desert God has arrived at the stables of Richard Hughes, where he is to be based during his time in Britain. He was an outstanding performer in his home country, winning the Gr.1d Indian Derby, Gr.1d Calcutta Derby, Gr.1d Deccan Derby, Gr.1d Invitation Cup, Gr.1d President of India Gold Cup and Gr.1d Indian St Leger, alongside a host of other prestigious Graded races.

The Champion has the distinction of being owned, bred and trained by S Padmanabhan. By Burden of Proof, he is out of the Indian Champion race mare Running Flame (Steinbeck). She won a host of Gr.1d races, including the Indian Turf Invitation Cup, before trying her hand in North America. She was retired to the paddocks and was covered by Silver Hawk in North America, as well as Red Ransom, Dubai Destination, Desert Style and Choisir in Europe. The result of the last named’s covering was the dual Derby winner Borsalino, who was born on his dam’s return to India. Since then, she has also produced the Golconda Oaks winner Sur La Tete, a full-sister to Desert God. Running Flame died last year, but has a three-year-old colt by Excellent Art, a two-year-old by the same sire and a yearling by Leitir Mor.

Desert God took part in the Racing Carnival in Dubai, where he had two outings before a minor setback prevented him from running again and he was subsequently shipped to Britain last week. Padmanabhan explained his decision to send Desert God to Britain was as a result of the limited opportunities in India for a five-year-old, saying, “I wanted to explore how well an Indian Champion measures up to competition in England. I am confident that the horse will thrive in the conditions.’’