Jockey Aslam Kader, the pint-sized dynamo who ruled the Indian turf with his powerhouse riding for over two decades (1979-2004), passed away on Thursday around 11.30 am at his Bangalore home. He was 63.

Kader was diagnosed with lung cancer last year, and was undergoing treatment. His health worsened two weeks ago, necessitating hospitalization, but the doctors sent him home last week so that he could spend his final days at home.