G'day Chrome,couldn't agree more with your comments on Darren,but as I said on another thread,they are only human,and are prone to make mistakes as we all do.The good ones learn from their mistakes,the also rans don't.It is common knowledge what a harsh critic of jockeys one J.Hawkes is,and would you agree/disagree that he would have sacked any other jock other than Darren for that infamous ride on Lohnro at his last start?No,he was quite obviously ********ed off,but sanity prevailed and they are a most potent combination,remind me of the T.J.Smith/G.Moore combo.
Darren reminds me a lot of George the way that he can put his mount in a position to win,whether it is the fav or a 10/1 shot,you know you are going to get a run for your money.
As for the dodgy brothers,I won't back anything they ride.Remember when they where flavour of the month years ago?Must be an interesting story behind the scenes there somewhere,the top trainers seem to avoid them like the plague nowadays.Who can forget "The Pumpas"infamous ride on Diatribe,and he got away with it!
Anyway have to totally agree with you onthe importance of having a better than average jockey on board.