In the past 8, Hickesh Parmar of the Blackwood Property management has made quite a name for himself in a relatively short time. His acumen and a sharp ability to forecast could be a couple of things that make his venture a success. Since the fateful day at Zabeel Stables back in 2012. Hickish is seen as one of the top owners in the near future.
We had a brief tete-a-tete with Hickesh, asking more about his involvement in the sport and his [plans for the coming years. Let's see what he had to say.
Q: How did you get involved in racing in Dubai?
A: I was fortunate enough to meet Satish Seemar at Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Party at Guards Polo Club in Windsor back in 2012, we struck up a conversation and he invited me to Zabeel Stables where I fell in love with the place. I knew I had to have horses here!
Q: Have you been involved with horses elsewhere?
A: I have always loved horses but became a racehorse owner in 2008 with my first horse named Etania, who was a National Hunt filly. She wasn’t very good to start with but we had 3 very good wins with her and she is now in Ireland as a broodmare.
Q: How has the experience grown?
A: The experience has grown really well as racing is so much more accessible now since the explosion of social media which has enabled me to connect with other racing enthusiasts from across the world, many who have now since visited Dubai. I love meeting new people within the racing industry!
Q: How many horses do you have? Who are they? How are they doing? Where did you buy them? Please tell us the whole story.
A: I currently have five in training, namely Mister Parma and Lady Parma who came 3rd in the UAE 1000 Guineas and has since won two on the bounce at Jebel Ali and Meydan. She was purchased at the Tattersalls Guineas Breeze-Up Sale in 2017, she is sired by the late Exchange Rate which is a sire I’ve always wanted to add to my string. Which include many greats such as Iffraaj, Kings Theatre and Exeed and Excel to name a few.
Q: Have you decided which races they will be ultimately aimed this season?
A: We are taking it race by race but a win at the Dubai World Cup Carnival is definitely on the cards with a hope to get into the Golden Shaheen, possibly next season.
Q: Which was the first Dubai World Cup race you've attended and which horse did you get to see win the DWC?
A: My first DWC experience was in 2013 when the Animal Kingdom flew home under Joel Rosario. The atmosphere was electric and I knew that I had to come back win a runner one day.
Q: What excites you about Dubai and Meydan? What are your aspirations for the decade?
A: I just love the racing in Dubai, the atmosphere and the camaraderie. This decade I would love to increase my string in the UAE, I would absolutely love a winner at Royal Ascot in the UK, and a few winners at the DWC Carnival, a win on the big day would go amiss either!