Hi,

I want to address this post mainly to ex-jockeys, who have ridden a reasonable number of horses during their career and know all the intricacies involved in the trade. (HTians can also join in the discussion). The intention behind inviting ex-riders is that those in the business now may find it quite embarrassing to talk on such a sensitive issue.

A few punters here have been advocating senior jockeys not to accept 'losing' mounts as they have already earned a lot of money and, therefore, hereafter should not ride for the sake of money. My straight question is : 'Is there anything called winning or losing mounts unless and until a race is run?"

As far as I understood racing during my about 25-year punting career (which ended in 2014), a rider accepts any number of rides in any center. In case if he does duty for a particular stable, still he can take permission to ride for others. This is what I had seen with all seniors, starting from Aslam Khader, Pesi Shroff, Vasant Shinde and Sinclair Marshall to the present-day heroes like Sandesh, Trevor, Neeraj, Imran Khan and Chouhan.

Now, you jockeys will have to tell us if you accept a mount after analysing the winnability factor? Is your job not to ride as per the instructions of your stable, although you tend to share your views on the horse's performance? If you're going to decide whether your horse is going to win or not, then why other jockeys should ride in that race at all?

One thing is correct : Jockeys can decide a 'losing' mount, as and when they receive directions from their connections to have an 'off' day. Right? Otherwise, in a field of 8 or 10 horses, how can a jockey claim that he is riding a 'winning' mount? After all, all the jockeys in a race ride only to win, and that's why sometimes we see outsiders upsetting all calculations. Isn't it?

There are requests pouring through this forum to P Trevor not to accept 'losing' mounts. Mr Trevor, how can you answer to this unique question? If only you concede to this request, every punter will feel rejuvenated because they now know that every ride that you accept is going to be a winning one? Is it practically possible?