Sunday's racing marred by ugly demostrations at Mahalaxmi racecourse
By Usman Rangila

Mumbai
March 21, 2004

Sunday was one of the saddest days in the history of the Royal Western India Turf Club as punters stalled the proceedings at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse. Sad not because punters were protesting the loss of the favourite but because the developments may’ve caused some irreversible harm to the reputation of the club. What can one possibly draw from the fact that presentation ceremony of one of the feature races of the day had to be abandoned? Probably disgusted by the unruly scenes at the racecourse, Mr Shapoor P. Mistry, the sponsor of four races during the day, didn’t receive the trophy won by his horse! The worst part was that the sport had to be carried out under the armed protection of the police force. 

Pent up feelings harboured by the regular racegoers about races being manipulated in Western India suddenly came to the fore after Secret Warrior was divested of the Shapoorji Pallonji Breeders’ Juvenile Colts Championship. The property of Dr. M.A.M. Ramaswamy had won by a short head from Malesh Narredu-ridden Gold Star. Later, Malesh lodged an objection against B. Prakash, who was astride the winner Secret Warrior, for “for coming on to him sharply and crossing and taking his ground at the 300m-marker whereby he had to stop riding for a few strides and switch to the outside and had he maintained a straight course, he would have won the race.” 

Mr Shyam Ruia, chairman RWITC Stewards of the Club, assisted by his colleagues Messrs Shivlal Daga, Gautam Lala and Sunil Jhangiani, watched the replay of the race from various angles and also in slow motion. The three stipendiary stewards were the first to give their opinion and all of them suggested that it was careless riding on the part of B. Prakash and that the objection should be upheld. Mr Ruia then ‘showed the way’ to his colleagues by saying that he did not agree to the view of the stipes that Prakash was careless and ruled that it was accidental. However, the chair concurred with the stipes on upholding the objection of Malesh. The decision was unanimous and no dissent came from any of the people sitting on the objection. What followed was total chaos.

For, no sooner had the race commentator made an announcement on the public address system about the objection being upheld, the racing public felt cheated and got enraged. It started as an innocuous protest but gradually turned into a violent and noisy demonstration against the Club. 

Accusing the Stewards of being biased and showing favour to Mr Arun Nanda owner of Gold Star, who himself is a committee member and also a Steward, the punters went on rampage for over an hour. Choicest of abuses were hurled both at the Stewards of the Club and also the stipes. What was more remarkable about the situation was that it was not only the punters in the first enclosure who were up in arms against the decision; owners and other members of the club also lend their support to the agitation. Although the subsequent race was run, the racegoers were in no mood to relent and continued with their agitation. They demanded that the race be declared null and void which was certainly not possible for anyone to do at that stage. An armed posse of the State Reserve Police assisted the local police to disperse the agitators following which the last three races were conducted. 

Looking closely into the running of the race, Secret Warrior appeared to have smoothly sailed into the lead and the level of interference caused to Gold Star was not so severe as to entail relegation. The close verdict that went in favour of Gold Star in the Stewards’ room was in a way penalising Secret Warrior for not being able to stay the trip. The original winner appeared to be shortening his strides in the final stages as such the Stewards’ seemed to have erred and badly at that one. 

One fact overlooked by all was the general perception prevailing among the punters tribe that rampant manipulation of races exists in the sport. Preposterous as it may sound, allegations are rife that scandalous acts are carried out in connivance with the authorities as the club has failed to come down heavily on the perpetrators of these crimes. The blame solely lies on the club administration for giving birth to such a notion in the minds of the racegoers else events on Sunday would’ve never taken such an ugly turn. It is never too late for the managing committee to wake up and take stock of the situation. Furthermore, it was never more necessary for the Stewards to initiate reforms in the conduct of the sport at least now after the highly embarrassing episode witnessed at the racecourse this Sunday.