A horrendous start to the new year, thanks to some behind the scenes chicanery, has forced a set of ‘gentlemen owners’ to throw in the towel and get out of the game as early as possible. Who can blame them. Being taken for a ride by the unscrupulous once too often has left them with no option.

The story has a bright beginning and gloomy end which may well dissuade other second-rung owners from taking the plunge. The partnership of H.S. Gill and Sanjay Agarwal (formed in 2008) had invested a fairly handsome amount in the ‘sport of kings’ to purchase 17 thoroughbreds, but were sadly disillusioned by a couple of unsavoury incidents involving their wards during the past several months.

Speaking to this correspondent before calling it a day, Gill said: “Unfortunately, this is no longer a gentleman’s game. We don’t have the clout of the big owners and the rogue professionals find us people soft targets. Very sadly, the authorities and the Stewards turn a blind eye to all their misdoings and that leaves us in the lurch.” It was indeed a final statement from a man of integrity who was in it to enjoy the sport.

Of the 17 horses they had purchased during the past couple of years, 10 are under the care of Richard Alford, four with H.S. Bath and three with Jasbir Singh. They have decided put all 17 horses up for auction and owners and trainers interested in purchasing them may put in their bids now. Some of the horses are pretty decent performers and should give their new owners some return on investment in the near future.

Their woes commenced on Monsoon Derby day when the 10-to-6-on favourite Ajayajeet was allowed to bolt and fold up in the straight. The culprit in that case was Kishore Kadam who was handed out a few days suspension.

On New Year’s Day, the heavily backed favourite Flaming Love in the lower division of The Goodfellas Cup, failed to come out of the gates till the field was well clear. The mare has not behaved in such manner in the past and the needle of suspicion quite clearly points to the apprentice rider Srinivas Rao. Conspiracy theories abound in both these cases, but to prove the guilt is another matter – especially when the authorities are happy to let things pass as they are. Under the circumstances, Gill and co have probably taken a wise decision. Good luck to them!