PUNE: As the 2019 season of Pune Monsoon Racing has reached the final weekend and in the backdrop of severe financial crises that the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) is facing, it is right time to reflect on the state of horse racing.
The RWITC finances have dwindled—Pune Derby being held without any sponsor was a stark reminder—and no one is really seriously looking at finding solution to bring the horse racing to its glory days.
Horse racing has been bread and butter for many, but no thought has been spared for those as RWITC searches for solutions to get over the crises time.
The annual election of the RWITC have been done with a month ago, but the new dispensation needs time to put house is order, and quickly.
FULL SUPPORT FOR CYRUS POONAWALLA
In that backdrop there is consensus among many whose bread depends on horse racing that no one but Dr Cyrus Poonawalla who can infuse a new life into horse racing in the country.
Dr Poonawalla’s philanthropy is by far unmatched and it wouldn’t be wrong to hope that the former RWITC Chairman whose love for horses is unparalleled would find a way to lift the horse racing to a new level.
Consider the top trainer’s views: “unless we have someone very big as Dr Poonawalla who comes in and puts in money there will be no revival of racing.
“On many occasions it has been said that Dr Cyrus Poonawalla would be one of the finest person to take over the reigns of this club and pull the RWITC out of the mess that it is in because he has the financial resources,” a reputed trainer pointed out.
There has been suggestion from the Racing Punters that there is no better way to infuse finances in the RWITC coffers than rename the Pune or Mumbai Race Course after Dr Poonawalla’s late wife Villoo Poonawalla.
An appeal to this effect has already been submitted to the State Government and the Central Government.
Villoo Poonawalla’s love for horse racing is well known and she was the one who nursed his dream all through the years they were together.
POONAWALLA’S BENEVOLENCE
Though no one has come on record, but highly placed sources said it was Dr Cyrus Poonawalla who gave Rs 6 crore to hold Pune Racing otherwise the 2019 season would never been held.
Be that as it may, if the RWITC has received such an amount for its survival and regular hosting of the monsoon season, it would be duty of the present dispensation to thank Dr Poonawalla for his benevolence.
Unfortunately, as a few club members pointed out, it is ego of some of the individuals in power that is holding them from recognising Dr Poonawalla’s crucial help and despite him standing like a rock for the RWITC.
The new committee is working in vain on to solve the high GST that has been in force on horse racing, and it would be prudent to get Dr Poonawalla’s help here too.
