No loss is permanent: Pradeep Lala, a horse-racing fan, learnt an important lesson from the sport

The love for horses runs in Pradeep Lala's family. The MD & CEO of Embassy Services credits this love for his growing fondness of the animals.

Talking to ET Panache, the top boss said, "Thoroughbreds have been one of my biggest fascinations, I find them extremely mesmerising and magnificent. During my childhood, I liked the aura around the regal sport, so my inclination and interest towards it kept growing. These majestic beauties have been my most precious possession over the years."

The integrated facility and property management services boss began owning horses in 2000.


"The first horse I owned was gifted to me by a friend. This sparked my passion of owning horses, and also understanding the job and responsibility of breeding. I also felt ecstatic after winning races which brought me closer to the sport," Lala said.

He has had horses in Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore, with some of their names being Dibaba, Mariposa, Gypsy, Biscotti, Cest Le Vie and Nanjing.

Lala, who travels to attend important races across the country every year, has learnt lessons for life from the sport. He shared, "I learned that you always live to fight another day. So don’t take any loss as permanent. There is always another day, you can come back and win the game."

Lala also finds horse-racing a great way to de-stress. "When I watch horses running my mind is completely absorbed in it, and I am detached from the worries of the world. It is an avenue of relaxation. When you look at the game as a sport and you enjoy the luxury of watching it, it is an absolute delight and there is a feeling of deep satisfaction," he concluded.