Pune: Two top jockeys Trevor Patel and Dashrath Singh came in for severe criticism by the punting community over the weekend races yesterday. Despite the general charge that punters tend to talk through their pockets, it must be said in all fairness that at least two rides by Trevor, one each on Saturday and yesterday, and one by Dashrath Singh yesterday were extremely perplexing with regard to the start, positioning, maneuver, and the riding effort —or the perceived lack of it.

Luck favours seasoned punter
Interestingly, all three horses —Mariska, Angel Girl and Divine Magic were hot public fancies, the first two being half-money favourites. "Actually I backed Bounty Queen against Divine Magic. But I admit I was lucky to win because the favourite's rider did not do justice to his mount," Hoshedar, a punter for more than 30 years told mid-day.