World Bicycle Day Blog Post – “Cycling” Down Memory Lane

“Cycling” Down Memory Lane 

CYCLE TOWN PUNE 
A Punekar Cycles Down Memory Lane
By
VIKRAM KARVE

Today – the 3rd of June 2019 – is World Bicycle Day. 

On the occasion of WORLD BICYCLE DAY – it would be apt to post a piece I wrote 9 years ago called CYCLE TOWN PUNE – harking back to memories of the 1960’s and 1970’s when Pune was known as the Cycle Capital of India. 

In theory – it is possible to ride a bicycle even today in the city of Pune – especially on BRTS Roads – which have dedicated “Cycle Tracks”.

But – in practice – it is not feasible to commute on cycles in Pune – since the cycle tracks are encroached upon/damaged and are unfit for cycling (even the pedestrian lanes are encroached and are unfit for walking).

Of course – cycling on roads had become dangerous due to the heavy and chaotic traffic.

But – this was not so in the Pune of Yesteryear – when – the bicycle was the primary mode of transportation – and – we enjoyed cycling all over – and – Pune was indeed a “Cycle Town”.

Let me share some memories of those carefree days of cycling.

I am sure you will enjoy these reminiscences – and maybe – this will tempt you to  hark back to your good old days and memories of your hometown too. 

Please do let me know if you liked this article and comment – I look forward to your feedback.

A PUNEKAR “CYCLES” DOWN MEMORY LANE

CYCLE TOWN PUNE – A Memoir by VIKRAM KARVE

When I was a small boy (in the 1960’s) – and later in the 1970’s – we used to cycle all over Pune. 

Pune was a “Cycle-Town”.

In the 1960’s – Poona (as Pune was called then) – was known as the “Cycle Capital” of India – since Pune had the maximum number of cycles.

But – with the advent and proliferation of scooters – this honour of “Cycle Capital” was taken over by Delhi – and Pune became the “Scooter Capital” of India.

Let’s hark back to the 1960’s – and talk about “Cycle Town Pune”

Those days 90% of the vehicles on the roads were Bicycles.

A few Scooters could be seen zipping by – and occasionally – an Ambassador or Fiat Car would appear on the roads.

Auto-rickshaws were beginning to make their appearance – and the PMT Bus was the second-most popular mode of transportation after the bicycle. 

If you do not believe me – you just watch the scene from the iconic Hindi Movie Sangam (1964) – where Raj Kapoor can be seen merrily cycling down Jangli Maharaj (JM) Road Pune (then known as “80 Feet Road” – the widest road in Pune those days).

As I said – in those days – Pune was a “cycle town”. 

You just picked up your bicycle – and you went wherever you wanted to. 

Today – I dare not try to cycle on the roads of Pune – unless I want to land up in a hospital with my bones broken – or worse still – in the morgue – with my body crushed to pulp. 

There is just no place for the poor cyclist to cycle in the murderous traffic of Pune. 

In fact – in Pune – the only place you can cycle are on the cycle-lanes on those small stretches of the BRTS routes – which thankfully have still not been encroached upon (of course – even here – you risk being knocked down by a motorcyclist) – or you can pedal away on those obscure cycle-tracks which take you nowhere.

Those days – in the 1960’s and 1970’s – cycling was the primary means of transportation 

(I cycled a minimum of 20 kms everyday during my college days. This has given me strong legs and thighs) 

Nowadays – for most young Punekars – cycling is a hobby – a sport – a recreation – a “passion” – or – an “environment friendly” thing to do.

Those days – in the 1960’s and 1970’s – cycling was the primary means of transportation. 

That’s why today you have all types of fancy bikes (which cost the roof) – and snobbish people want to show off their cycles as “status symbols” whenever they get off their expensive limousines and take a rare bike ride wearing funny outfits and contraptions like gloves, helmets et al.

There are Terrain Bikes, Sports Bikes, BMX Bikes, Racing Bikes – all sorts of hybrid combinations – which look good – but are most uncomfortable to ride. 

Sometime ago – I took a long ride on a youngster’s fancy Mountain Terrain Bike (MTB) 

Since I was used to normal cycles (Roadsters) – I found the MTB uncomfortable to ride. 

And – after the ride –I got such a pain in my “you-know-where” – that I thought I had got Hernia.

In my younger days – it was not “Snob Appeal” – but it was “Utility Value” that governed the Design of Bicycles. 

The predominant cycle those days was the “Roadster” (in bicycle parlance). 

The Roadster was a utility bicycle designed for practical transportation – unlike the fancy bikes of today which are primarily designed for recreation and for showing-off. 

The “Roadster” Bicycle was designed for “Occupational Commuting” – and it was designed to give you a comfortable ride. 

As I said earlier – those days – you did not ride a bike to burn calories.

A cycle was the primary means of transportation – and you commuted from one place to another on a cycle. 

Of course – fitness was a by-product. 

In my college days – I used to cycle about 20 Kilometres every day – breathing fresh unpolluted air – and this was healthy exercise. 

We cycled in our normal clothes – and not in “biking wear” – and that’s why the Roadster Design Bicycle had proper mudguards and chain guards to keep it clean. 

In addition to comfort – the qualities we looked for in a cycle were sturdiness, durability and endurance.

A cycle was a permanent long term acquisition – not a “use and throw” item. 

Well – if you go to Bicycle Shop today – you may not find the humble “Roadster” displayed along with those fancy fashionable bikes.

In fact – there is a proliferation of high-falutin Cycle Malls in Pune selling all sorts of fancy and expensive bicycles.

But if you look on the roads – you will see that the redoubtable Roadster is still going strong.

And – if you care to go to the mofussil – you will see that this humble Roadster Cycle is still the predominant mode of transportation. 

And – if you go to those good old cycle marts in Budhwar Peth in Pune – you will see that these unpretentious Roadster bikes are still selling in plenty.

When we were children – there were no “kiddie” or “children’s” bikes to pamper us.

We learnt how to cycle the hard way on the hardy Adult Roadster Bikes – which entailed many falls and bruises – including one on my forehead – the scar of which is prominently visible even today. 

I learnt how to cycle when I was 7 years old. 

But – I got my first cycle in 1968 – on my 12^th Birthday. 

Until then – I used to hire a bike on an hourly basis from one of the many “Cycle Marts” that adorned almost every street corner of Pune – or manage a ride my uncle’s cycle whenever he was not using it.

The moment it was announced that I would be getting a bike as a birthday gift – I was very excited.

My friends and I started our market survey.

Which cycle did I want?

There were so many brands to choose from. 

At the top end was the matchless Humber – the prized crème de la crème brand from Raleigh Cycles. 

The Humber Men’s Roadster had a unique double-fork – a duplex fork design which had two tubes for absorbing shocks better – and a frictionless chain for a smooth ride.

Owing to all these refinements – the Humber Cycle gave you the ultimate in riding comfort. 

Now my Dad had given me a budget of Rs. 200 – and the Humber which cost around 400 bucks was out of the question – as were other premium brands of cycles like Raleigh, Rudge, Buke and BSA. 

So – I had to choose from Hercules, Phillips, Hind Superb, Hero, Eastern Star, Avon or Atlas – which were the popular bicycle brands those days. 

At first – I wanted to buy a Phillips Cycle which looked very handsome. 

Every Phillips Roadster bicycle had embossed on its badge its famous motto: 

“Renowned the World Over”. 

But the dealer insisted that I try the latest model of Atlas (which he claimed was sturdy and comfortable – and it had the best bearings – and the cycle was long lasting, economical and ideal for a student like me).

So I took a “test ride” – and I acquired an Atlas Cycle for the princely sum of One Hundred and Eighty Rupees (yes – Rs. 180 only).

I fitted my bike with a dynamo and light (for night riding) – a bell – a carrier – and a sleek stand – and a basket.

As I rode my brand new shining black Atlas cycle – I felt on top of the world.

Here is a picture of me and my large size 24” Atlas Cycle taken 51 years ago in 1968 (when I was barely 12 years old)

Vikram Karve with his Atlas Cycle (Circa 1968)

This Atlas Cycle rendered yeoman’s service (I told you that I said I cycled about 20 kilometers every day). 

My bicycle accompanied me all over on my cycling trips – including one touring UP and Bihar – where we just carried our cycles in the second class train compartment – and we got down wherever we wanted – and cycled away for our sightseeing – and caught a train again at the nearest station. 

No one dared to ask any questions – because we were “students”.

I used my rugged Atlas Cycle for over 15 years – and it was still going strong – when I gave it away to a needy student. 

(I was happy to see that this redoubtable bike was fully operational when I last saw it in the year 1998 – when the cycle was 30 years old). 

Soon – I bought a brand new Hero Roadster Cycle for around three hundred bucks (Rs. 300 only) – which I used for cycling all around town – whenever I came to Pune on my weekend trips or holidays from Mumbai – where my ship was based. 

Though I had acquired a scooter by then – which I used for “family” outings – I still rode my bike for my solitary travels in Pune. 

Alas – my newly acquired wife refused to ride “double-seat” with me on my cycle – à la Dev Anand and Mumtaz in the movie Tere Mere Sapne – though my wife had been an avid cyclist and she rode a Ladies Cycle herself in college. 

By the way – riding double-seat – and without a light at night – were traffic offences.

If a cop caught you without a light at night – or riding double-seat on your bike – he would deflate your tyres as punishment – and you would have to walk all the way dragging your cycle along. 

For parking your cycle – there was cycle-stands all over – in cinemas – at railway stations – in parks – everywhere.

Till the 1980’s – in Pune – the bicycle was still the most popular mode of transportation – since – in Pune – distances were not that much – and – the traffic was not that heavy. 

But gradually – scooters were slowly taking over – as people were increasingly in a hurry to get wherever they wanted to go.

I quit cycling in Pune sometime in the end 1980’s – because cycling had become increasingly unsafe.

The traffic situation in Pune had become quite bad.

Heavy vehicles, buses, cars and scooters ruled the roost.

And after a few close shaves in the dangerous traffic – I decided to stop cycling on the streets of Pune.

Cycling keeps you healthy. 

Cycling also keeps you stress-free.

Those days – as I cycled to college or work – the physical effort while cycling helped remove my stress – unlike driving a car or scooter in the chaotic traffic of Pune – which drives you crazy. 

Almost everyone cycled to school and college – and – to work and back – all the way from the heart of Pune City – even to far-off places like the factories in Khadki and beyond. 

Cycling was a healthy affordable way of commuting.

Yes – cycling was primarily a means of travel – and not a competitive sport or a means of working out for exercise as it is now. 

Of course – exercise was a byproduct of cycling. 

I have decided to relive those good old days. 

So I am going to get myself a cycle – not a fancy bike – but an a old-style standard roadster bike – maybe I will try out the good old tried and tested Hercules Roadster Cycle this time. 

The only problem is that I will have to find a safe road to cycle on – which is nigh impossible in Pune – or a Cycle Track on the side of a BRTS Road. 

(BRTS = Bus Rapid Transit System)

I eagerly await the removal of encroachments on the Cycle Tracks on the BRTS in Wakad – so all of us can cycle down the bicycle track – as people do on the BRTS route on Satara Road near Padmavati/Bibwewadi. 

I wonder how safe it is to cycle in other cities – and whether unencroached clear good cycle tracks are available for speedy and safe cycling...? 

If the Government is really keen on promoting cycling – Top Ministers/Politicians and Senior Officers should lead by example and cycle to work every day instead of commuting in cars. 

Schools must insist that Children Cycle to School on bicycles instead of travelling by Bus. 

Organisations must encourage their Employees (especially Senior Management) to use a bicycle to cycle to work instead of using vehicles. 

We see some VIPs/Celebrities merely paying “Lip Service” (for “Photo Ops”) once a year on World Bicycle Day and then using luxurious cars to commute to work throughout the year. 

As they say: Actions Speak Louder than Words. 

In the mornings and in the evenings – I watch the serpentine traffic moving at snail’s pace on the Wakad Hinjewadi Road towards the InfoTech Park. 

I wonder how different things would have been if everyone rode bicycles to work like in yesteryear Pune. 

We would have a more healthy, unpolluted and stress-free Pune.

Happy Cycling.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
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2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved) 

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

  

This is a revised and abridged version of an article that I wrote 9 years ago in 2010 in my series A PUNEKAR WALKS DOWN MEMORY LANE and earlier posted online on my blog in 2011 at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/08/cycle-town-pune.html andhttp://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/02/cycle-town-pune-memories-of-yesteryear.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/04/commuting-in-pune-50-years-ago.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/10/cycle-town-pune-memoir.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/07/pune-cycle-plan-memoir-cycle-town-pune.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2018/06/world-bicycle-day-story-cycle-town-pune.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2019/04/pune-cycling-down-memory-lane.html etc

Derby Day – Memories of an erstwhile “Punter”

DERBY DAY – “Punters’ Romance”

KING OF SPORT and SPORT OF KINGS

Yesterday – on Sunday – the 4th of February 2018 – was “Derby Day” – the day of the The Indian Derby – the crème de la crème of horse races in India. 

Yes – the 4th of February 2018 – the first Sunday of February – was the date for the Indian Derby 2018 – the 76th running of the most prestigious horse race in India. 

The Indian Derby 2018 was won by Rochester – who sprang a surprise win. 

Yes – yesterday – Sunday – was “Derby Day” – the day of the The Indian Derby – the crème de la crème of horse races in India – which is run on the first Sunday of February every year since 1943 at the Mahalaxmi Race Course in Mumbai (earlier called Bombay).

“Derby Day” always evokes fond memories of my “Punter Days” as a young Navy bachelor.

Had I not joined the Navy – maybe – I would have never seen the Derby – or probably – I would have never visited a Race Course. 

During my glorious “Navy Mumbai Bachelor Days” in the 1970’s/1980’s – as a avid “punter” – I did not miss my date with the Indian Derby at the premier Mahalaxmi Race Course in Mumbai

Many years later when I was posted to Mumbai again – though I stopped frequenting the racecourse – I made it a point not to miss the Indian Derby held annually on the first Sunday afternoon of February.

I have fond memories of my “Punter Days” in the 1970’s/1980’s – and – the many exciting races I witnessed – especially the Derby Races.

Of these – the most memorable, exciting and thrilling Indian Derby I witnessed was the unforgettable Indian Derby Horse Race run in 1980. 

Dear Reader: Let me tell you about it...

THE INDIAN DERBY 1980

My Most Memorable Indian Derby - An Unforgettable Race

A PUNTER WALKS DOWN MEMORY LANE

By

VIKRAM KARVE

It’s been a long time since I visited the racecourse to watch horse racing – the King of Sport and the Sport of Kings. 

But Derby Day is fast approaching and I am quite excited as to who is going to win the greatest classic of the season at the Mahalakshmi Race Course the Indian Derby on Sunday. 

I can never forget that exciting afternoon on my very first day at the races – Sunday – the 3^rd of February 1980 – when I was so lucky to witness the crème de la crème of horse races in India – The Indian Derby – which is run on the first Sunday of February every year since 1943.

I still have vivid memories of that wonderful afternoon – though 38 years have passed since that delightful Derby Day. 

I lived in Mumbai then and a number of my colleagues were avid punters – as race-goers are called.

The excitement started on Wednesday when the declarations appeared in the newspapers and the conversations were abuzz with heated discussions as to would win the Indian Derby – Aristocrat or Everynsky...?

Well – Aristocrat and Everynsky were both favourites to win the Derby and each had their passionate followers. 

But there were other good horses in the fray too – notably a horse called Mohawk.

By Friday – the papers – both the newspapers and the race tabloids – were full of predictions, speculations and tips.

Both Aristocrat and Everynsky had top following – but Mohawk too was tipped to win by a few tipsters.

Come Saturday evening – and we duly picked up our Cole Race Cards from a bookstall at Churchgate. 

My punter friends were in a frenzy, calculating, computing, deciding – what they were going to wager – in the Derby – and in the other races too – at the bookmakers – and at the tote – for the jackpot, the treble, the tanala etc.

The topic of conversation during our Sunday morning walk on the Marine Drive was the “Indian Derby” – with “expert opinions” being freely aired. 

We returned to our ship – had breakfast – and got ready to go to the races. 

We walked down to Churchgate – and – after a hearty brunch of Kheema Pav and Chai at our favourite Stadium Restaurant next to Churchgate Railway Station – we took off by local train to Mahalaxmi.

We made it a point to purchase “return tickets” – just in case we had a bad day...!!!

Almost everyone got off at Mahalaxmi Railway Station and the atmosphere in the race course was electrifying.

There was a festive air at the Royal Western India Turf Club RWITC Race Course at Mahalaxmi. 

It was like a carnival – with there were so many “two-legged birds” in the most fashionable dresses and exotic hats. 

I wondered whether I should focus on the Horses or the “Beauties”.

To a novice like me – the whole experience was mind-boggling.

First – to see the horses parade in the paddock.

Then – rush to the bookmakers’ ring – which was surcharged with excitement.

You had to look at the bookmakers’ “odds” – then look at your own calculations in your Cole –also listen to “tips” – then – run once more to the paddock to see the jockeys mount their horses – and the horses being led off to the starting dates.

And then – you rushed back to the bookmakers betting ring to place your bet.

After that – you ran up the stairs to get a good seat in the stands – to watch the Indian Derby Race.

For me – it was fun to watch this spectacle – because – for most of the races – I was only placing modest bets of five and ten rupees on the tote – for forecast pool, jackpot, treble, tanala etc.

I had decided to just place one bet in the Indian Derby Race of Rs. 100 (a hundred rupees) for a win at the bookmakers – though I had not decided on the horse yet.

It was going to be either Aristocrat or Everynsky – whoever offered better odds.

Just before the Indian Derby – I watched the horses parade in the paddock.

I felt a premonition – a hunch – so – I followed my “sixth sense” – I placed my “win” bet on Mohawk. 

Most of my punter friends were betting heavily on Everynsky 

It seemed that they had got a last minute “tip”.

But – some die-hard punters were backing Aristocrat.

Aristocrat and Everynsky were the two horses who were the “favourites” to win the Indian Derby 1980. 

But – there was a frenzy of betting on other horses too – especially on Mohawk – as the odds fluctuated wildly.

In the bookmakers’ betting ring – I observed a pretty young lady observing me – as I placed my bet on Mohawk.

Suddenly – the pretty lady asked me: 

“Who do you like...?”

I was about to say: 

“I like You...” 

But – I controlled myself – and true to racing form – I said: 

“I like Mohawk...” 

So – the pretty young lady placed her bet on Mohawk too – like I had done.

Having placed my bet – I rushed out of the bookmakers’ betting ring – climbed up the stairs – and managed to get a good seat in the stands – to get a good ringside view of the Indian Derby Race. 

It was a fantastic race. 

All eyes were on Aristocrat – Jagdish astride – who had a stable-mate horse as “pacemaker”.

And – I think it was the famous Vasant Shinde who was riding Everynsky 

But – Wally Swinburn magnificently steered Mohawk to fantastic victory.

This result caused a stunning upset.

Mohawk had won the race from a fast finishing Everynsky – with Aristocrat left far behind – out of the reckoning.

My punter colleagues – most of whom had backed Everynsky were disappointed.

The few who had put their money on Aristocrat – were quite dejected.

When they realized that I had bet on Mohawk – they were quite surprised at my good fortune.

As I went to collect my win dividends – I noticed the pretty young lady looking at me. 

She too had come to the bookmaker to collect her winnings. 

She was smiling with joy – as if we shared some secret. 

Following my “expert tip” – she too had bet on Mohawk – and won a sizeable amount.

The pretty young lady was delighted that she had outwitted her Dad – a “dyed-in-the-wool” punter – who had bet on Aristocrat. 

The pretty young girl smiled sweetly as she said goodbye to me. 

Then – she walked towards the members’ enclosure.

But – before she walked away – she spoke to me. 

She said that she hoped that I would be coming to the Races next Sunday. 

And – she told me – that she looked forward to some “expert” tips from me. 

Well – Dear Reader – that was the beginning of a long and lovely friendship – and I was punctually present at the Mahalaxmi Race Course in Mumbai on every Sunday afternoon for the rest of the racing season.

Do you want to know what happened to our beautiful “Punters’ Romance”...? 

Well – that’s another story.

In due course – I would have to move out of Mumbai on transfer – but whenever I was in Mumbai – I never missed the Indian Derby – or any of the other classics. 

I have enjoyed the horse races at the magnificent race course at Kolkata – where “lady luck” favoured me greatly – at Bangalore – where too I was quite lucky – and at Mysore – the most picturesque racecourse nestling under the Chamundi Hills – at Ooty – and – of course – at the cute little race course at Pune – my home town.

I witnessed many memorable derby races – at Mumbai – and elsewhere – but the most extraordinary Indian Derby I remember was in 2003 – when a relatively unknown horse called Noble Eagle – who was supposed to be a pacemaker – flew off from the starting gates – kept galloping at top speed – and the horse won the race in a “start to finish” swift run – causing the biggest upset ever in the Indian Derby.

Guess what...?

Believe it or not...!!!

The same pretty young lady – who had now metamorphosed into a beautiful woman – thanked me once again for the “tip” – and this time – her winnings were quite substantial. 

I wonder why I liked Noble Eagle. 

I looked at the horses parading in the paddock – and while they were being led off to the starter gates.

Suddenly – it was my “sixth sense” that made me wager a “Place” bet on Noble Eagle.

My beautiful friend – the same pretty young lady – she seemed to have more confidence in me – than I myself had in my own “punting” skills.

I had cautiously wagered a “Place” bet on Noble Eagle. 

But – on my “tip” – she had placed a “Win” bet on Noble Eagle at excellent odds – and she made a small fortune.

I wish I had been more “daring” like her.

ART OF “PUNTING”

Dear Reader – “sixth sense“ doesn’t always work – so it is better to follow the conventional way of Punting when you go to the racecourse.

Here are some Tips for the novice “Punter”:

1. Study the Cole Race Book and Racing Columns in Newspapers and on the Internet

2. Do your homework

3. Listen to “tips” and advice

4. Have a look at the horses in the paddock parade

5. Observe the goings-on in the bookmakers’ betting ring and tote boards – especially the movement of the odds

6. Watch the “big guns” and their betting patterns

7. Then – make your own judgement and place your bet

That – in a nutshell – is the “Art of Punting”. 

I used to love going to the races.

There is so much to enjoy – the thrill of punting – the air of excitement – the festive atmosphere – the sight of strong, swift and handsome horses galloping at their best – the beautiful people dressed in their “Sunday Best” – and – the delicious snacks in between the races.

Is there a reason why you should go for the races...?

A quote from my favourite philosophical book The Importance of Living by Lin Yutang probably says it all:

“If you can spend a perfectly useless afternoon in a perfectly useless manner – you have learned how to live...”

Happy Punting...!!! 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

This story is a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)

     

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

 

This a revised repost of my story posted by me online in my blogs earlier at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2010/12/indian-derby-1980.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/01/unforgettable-indian-derby-punter-walks.html and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/02/indian-derby-king-of-sport-and-sport-of.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/02/derby-day-punters-romance.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2017/02/memories-of-my-punter-days-indian-derby.html etc