When jockey A Sandesh steered the Darius Byramji-trained Ranquelino past the post in a hard-fought win at the Indian Derby on Sunday, eliciting a roar from the Mahalaxmi crowd, the noise and pulsating excitement carried all the way to the red-mud hill station of Matheran.
 
A Sandesh, son of Matheran ghodawala Tukaram Akhade, joined the legion of Matheran riding champions led by the legendary Vasant Shinde. All these men grew up with horses, their trot beating a tattoo on their hearts, understanding equines like few ever will. Horses are the lifeblood and livelihood of many in one of the most popular getaways for Mumbaikars, known for its red mud, monkeys, and, of course, ponies on its pathways.

Sandesh as a little boy at the Woodlands bungalow in Matheran