Racing these days has misplaced its competitive spark. One-sided affairs are becoming the norm, and though favourites continue to rule the roost, their odds are so miserly that even a single upset leaves punters nursing their losses — a situation worsened by the punitive 40 per cent GST. With expensive entry tickets and little adrenaline left to savour, the ordinary racegoer is left more frustrated than thrilled. It’s time the authorities examined why the sport’s edge is dulling — perhaps the handicapping system needs a rethink to revive excitement and unpredictability.

Saturday’s Pune card was a perfect illustration of the trend. Leading jockey A Sandesh had a day out, booting home five winners — most of them virtual processions. The only relief came in the Gr 3 Threptin Fillies & Mares Stakes, where long shot Regina Memorabilis upset the market leaders Psychic Star and Thalassa, both running at cramped odds.

The feature event, a terms race for fillies and mares three years old and over, attracted a modest field. Pesi Shroff’s much-fancied Psychic Star, unbeaten this season, appeared vulnerable under the heavy impost she was asked to concede to classic-placed Thalassa. Meanwhile, Regina Memorabilis, a consistent performer who had earlier finished second to her stablemate Odysseus, was all but forgotten by the betting public.

Madame Rich made the early pace, pulling clear before fading at the turn. Behind her ran Queen of Kings, Regina Memorabilis, Psychic Star, and Thalassa. The latter, in receipt of eight kilos from Psychic Star, would have benefited from racing handier instead of being tailed off early — her staying prowess clearly ill-suited to a belated charge. Sandesh, fresh from a string of wins, adopted the same unhurried approach he’d use over 2800 metres, and Thalassa could finish only fourth behind the pace-setter.

Regina Memorabilis, meanwhile, pounced on the leader at the bend and surged clear. Psychic Star tried to bridge the gap but couldn’t peg her back, finishing second, just under a length adrift. Madame Rich held off the weary Thalassa for third. The result was a welcome reminder that form and weight still matter more than reputation.

Stewards Set a New Precedent

The Panamera Cup (Div II), for horses rated 20 to 46, brought about a rare and commendable precedent. At the jump, Empower was disadvantaged as the start was given before the horse was ready, losing several lengths. Though the race was won by favourite Seneca, who held off Remmy Red, the Stewards — after enquiry — declared Empower a non-starter for betting purposes.

This decision, mirroring international turf standards, ensured fairness: the owners retained their stake money while punters weren’t penalized for circumstances beyond control. It was a first for Indian racing, even if it meant delayed dividends as officials worked through the formalities.

The lower division went to another favourite, Wings of Fury, trained by Adhirajsingh Jodha, who led from the start and resisted Timeless Fortune’s late challenge despite drifting out. Red Merlot snatched second in the final stride. Sandesh’s victory here completed a remarkable five-timer — an achievement few riders manage on a seven-race card.

Ultimo, from Pradeep Chouhan’s yard, justified heavy support in the Gruezi Plate (1400m), for horses rated 40 to 66. Sandesh sent him straight to the lead and never looked back, coasting home comfortably. Ataash once again had to settle for second, while Alpine Star pipped Spanish Eyes for third.

King Ke, trained by Pesi Shroff, maintained his winning streak in the Rao Saheb Kedari Gold Trophy, scoring an emphatic pillar-to-post win under Vivek G. The short-priced favourite stretched clear by six lengths, with Black Thunder snatching second from Doctor Dolly on the post.

The October Handicap (1200m) went the way of Faisal Abbas’s Darcy, another short-priced favourite, who made every post a winning one. Charlie Brown disappointed yet again, while Ministry of Time and Esteban filled the minors.

The day closed with Dallas Todywalla’s Wind Dancer clinching the Yoginder Singh Salver. As odds on Come September drifted alarmingly, punters latched onto Wind Dancer, and Sandesh obliged — sitting off the pace and sweeping past Escape Velocity inside the final furlong. Star Impact ran on for third.

The day may have belonged to Sandesh, but the pattern remains worrying — predictable races, odds-on favourites, and a fading sense of challenge. Regina Memorabilis’s upset offered a fleeting spark of the old thrill, but unless the sport reclaims its competitive balance, even the most faithful turf enthusiast might begin to wonder if racing’s true heartbeat has gone missing.