Two top jockeys, Indian A Sandesh and Irishman Leigh Roche, have received severe punishments for "unsatisfactory riding". The Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) stewards, in a meeting on Sunday, barred both jockeys from riding for 12 race days from March 5 to April 12. Both jockeys were held guilty for their rides on the same card (Saturday, February 1).

Sandesh copped punishment for his ride on favourite Noble Heir (race #115) who finished sixth in the Gateway Of India Million (1600m). The stipendiary stewards, after a detailed inquiry, had reported Sandesh to the stewards of the club only for "unsatisfactory riding", making it clear that they were giving him the benefit of doubt in the more serious charge of "not permitting his mount to run on its merit".