The Zavaray S. Poonawalla Bangalore Summer Derby was a big success. Champion colt D'Artagnan and the best filly on the Indian racing circuit Margaretta, both  from the champion stable of Pesi Shroff crossed swords for the richest purse in the annals of Indian racing and in the high drama and high tension event, D'Artagnan piloted by Yash Narredu edged out the overwhelming public choice Margaretta partnered by Vivek. Yash and D'Artagnan needed to win the race a second time in the Stewards Room following the decision of the Stewards to conduct an enquiry, and they won it again, a 4-3 Stewards verdict going in their favour. 

Zavaray Poonawalla down here for the rich event disclosed at the draw of lots ceremony for the blue riband that he is ready to support all the clubs. "The idea is to promote the game. And I will match any contribution made by any individual or a group in support of the game, "said Zavaray adding that the race clubs too must take the initiative to generate funds required to offer good stakes to the owners, who are investing in the game. "Despite the high GST slab, owners are picking up stock and the onus is on the clubs to ensure that good stakes and facilities are offered to all stakeholders", pointing out that the clubs should work towards sealing long term deals with the sponsors rather than the one song and dance. 

"The Poonawalla Group has initiated a Power sponsorship scheme and we are ready and willing to associate with any racing club to provide support. We have chalked out a three-year, all classics deal with the Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) and we will offer the same deal to the Mysore Race Club, who are hosting the Indian Turf Invitation Cup in the last week of October, said Zavaray. The famed breeder and the biggest promoter, aware of the fact that it's not all hunky-dory and the club needs to clear a couple of big hurdles said: "Well, I have promised the BTC committee my full-fledged support and hopefully things will fall into place", said Zavaray donning the famous Mysore Peta, while giving away the Derby trophies to the owners and the winning professionals. 

While Mr. Zavaray Poonawall painted BTC red on D-day and  Pesi did the high-five leading in his fifth successive Derby winner at this premier centre, leading jockey Vivek G blotted his book failing to lodge an objection despite the fact that he had valid ground to file the protest. Vivek guiding the fortunes of the public rage Margaretta suffered from an infringement, Yash Narredu and D'Artagnan alarmingly shifting out in the 100 metres and in the process Margaretta also shifted out resulting in the `Queen' filly losing her momentum for a couple of strides at the all-important end. The diabolical decision of Vivek not to protest raised many eyebrows and soon the tongue wagging provided the spark and fuel to the high drama and high tension. 

Railbirds angry with the mysterious decision of Vivek made no secret of  their opinion that Vivek was under pressure not to protest. Champion trainer Pesi Shroff responding to the allegation clarified that Vivek at the unsaddling enclosure told him that he will file a protest. "I told him that he had valid ground to protest and more importantly he had every right to protest", said Pesi adding that after watching the TV replay I thought it was touch and go. 

The fact that the BTC stewards initiated a Stewards Enquiry was appreciated and the 4-3 decision which went in favour of Yash and D'Artagnan was also accepted in true blue spirit. But what stuck out like a sore thumb was the decision of the wise men in the Stewards Room to allow Vivek to go scot-free. The cocky jockey, who brazenly chose not to object, next had the gall to say that he would have won the race by two lengths if he had not suffered from the infringement at a crucial stage of the race. This was condemnable. Not protesting and then making a statement that he would have won, was reason enough to send Vivek on a long holiday, but what was deplorable was no action was taken by the mandarins of the club. Vivek did what is not done and got away unscathed. The cheeky pro would have faced long suspension in all the Indian and international racing clubs. but thanks to the chief stipe, who is providing Vivek the shield and the stewards, who are toeing the line of Wayne, the cocky pro is having the last laugh.

What is also strange is the fact that the back view of the race was not shown, and shockingly not one of the seven wise men asked or demanded that the back view be played to ascertain how bad the drift of D'Artagnan really was !