The Mumbai Racing season 2011 -12 is all set to roll out another enthralling racing action starting Sunday the 13th November 2012 and will run through until the last Sunday of April 2012. The curtain-raiser, a press meet held at the paddock of the famed Mahalaxmi racecourse on 10th November 2011, was attended by a healthy number in the audience and the press section too was well represented. I enjoyed the privilege of playing the host on the mike and the evening was set off with a mesmerising fusion music that had the audience responding in a lively manner. The entertainment arrived to the peak when a majority in the audience engaging the artists in a sort of a ‘jugal-bandi’ (musical dual) clapping in sync with the artists’ beats. The Indian Flamenco Project – the name that the musical orchestra goes by, were indeed sublime and they provided a perfect start to the enjoyable evening.

The evening then entered the more serious business when Mr Vivek Jain, Chairman RWITC took over the reins of the proceedings and addressed the gathering revealing the season’s plans and the developments that were added to make the season more exciting and rewarding. After the opening statements of pleasantries, Mr Jain stated, “The forthcoming racing season in Mumbai is all set to gallop off the blocks in fine fashion. The increased prize money is always the main attraction. We offer superb infrastructural facilities; you will see top class horses and jockeys in action and big brand sponsors showcasing their days with aplomb. We have maintained our relentless efforts to enhancing media reach and coverage to attract the crème de la crème of the city’s racing aficionados. This season is not just about racing; it’s about presenting the sport in a hitherto unseen light and reaching out to a larger consumer audience. If you have speed and racing running in your veins, there is no better place to indulge your senses than the Mahalaxmi racecourse,” said Mr Jain with a sense of deserved pride.

The McDowell Signature Premier Indian Derby will as usual hold centre stage. Rebranded with the affix “Premier” this landmark Classic remains one of India’s best promoted mega sporting events. The prize money is expected to cross a record high of over Rs 2.5 crore for this single event. “The Derby day has become an institution for the city of Mumbai. In recognition of its stature, the RWITC and the UB Group inked a record 27.5 crore agreement for a five year renewal from 2013, which is but befitting a race of such magnitude,” exclaimed Mr Jain.

The advertised stake money is in the region of Rs 15 crore, the highest for a single season of racing at any centre in India. Last year the stakes hovered around 16.5 crore, however, this included the Invitation Cup which is held in rotation with the other turf clubs, and this weekend alone distributed stakes of Rs 3 crore. Hence, on comparative basis, the stakes this year are up by about 10 % and with divided races and sweepstakes to be added, the actual pay out would shoot up to a mind-boggling 20 crore mark!

The RWITC continues to lead the way in attracting record sponsorships for its events. The Club will host a sponsored race day or a graded race every weekend right through the season. The contributions from sponsors is around Rs 7 crore this year.

The tripartite agreement between RWITC, Bennett & Coleman and Procam, enters second year, with the prospect of the major races going live for two hours on a major national TV Channel.

The Classics aside, a treat of graded races, millions and multi-million races will punctuate the Mumbai season. A record 30 races will offer a million or over and has been distributed between the juveniles and the older horses as well. This ensures rich prizes being spread across all age groups. In addition, for the first time ever, six races have been reserved for owners who have a share in five or lesser horses. This is specifically aimed to reward owners with a smaller string of horses.

A Million races are specially framed in memory and honour of the late Dr Jagjit Singh. The RWITC, the owners Association and four individual owners have jointly contributed to the race. “I believe this will be the first race of its kind with this level of prize money in the country, a true tribute to the ghazal maestro, who has patronized the Club for decades” said Mr Jain.

An interesting development is the appointment of Mr Wayne Wood as the Club’s Chief Integrity Officer. Mr Wood is from Australia and is believed to have rich experience in racing administration. His major task will be to restore the confidence of the public in the conduct of racing, investigation and all that it takes to bring integrity of racing in the forefront.

The live streaming of the races available on the Club’s official website – www.rwitc.com was well accepted by the race enthusiasts and the Club hopes to offer greater value to the stream, especially to browsers from outside the country.

Mr Geoffrey Nagpal then shed light on the renovation work taken up to spruce up the stabling areas. “A lot was needed to be done and I am happy to state that the stabling conditions have improved and we have done everything necessary to enhance the looks and comforts within the stables, Mr Nagpal said.

The dress code returns and the Club has reverted to the minimal formals for gentlemen until the end of February. An e news letter namely Hoof Print will now be sent to members informing upcoming events and developments.

The Club has planned a socially relevant event in partnership with the internationally recognised TEDx on November 20th, a Marathi cultural extravaganza on November 26th and an international music star will perform live on the Club’s lawns on November 30th.

After a lull of six months, action is back at the Mahalaxmi racecourse. Although horse racing is the prime activity, the Club has managed to devote adequate time towards its social responsibilities as well. A gentleman representing the Cancer Society stood up during the interaction period and genuinely acknowledged and expressed sincere gratitude for the efforts taken by the RWITC in conducting charity drives and contributing generously towards such noble causes. The Club has been making relentless efforts more forcefully in the recent past and has successfully aided organisations such as the Society for the blind children, the cancer society and also donating towards other social groups and NGOs. A rare voice in appreciation of the efforts surfaced last evening and this came about as a pleasant surprise, setting the trend for others in the audience to stand up and voice their accolades as well.

It was an entertaining evening. The fusion musicians were back on stage and played on into the evening. Every item on the agenda was touched upon and then began the socializing. Everyone was engaged in discussing the season’s prospects and the big horses for the big races. A common mention was Dr Vijay Mallya’s Smashing, who many thought had ‘star’ potential. Pronto Pronto, Hills and Stars were also mentioned. The build up to the Indian Classics has already begun. It’s time to make the reality check, starting from coming Sunday. The hooves will soon be making their prints on the Mahalaxmi turf. Another season extraordinaire is ready to take off and indiarace wishes all of you the very best of luck for the new season.

RWITC to hold classes for beginners

In a unique, first-of-its-kind initiative, RWITC will offer special coaching to anyone who wishes to learn racing and handicapping. Starting next Sunday (November 20), Prakash Gosavi, racing correspondent of RWITC's media partner MiD DAY, will conduct these courses.

"The RWITC puts in huge marketing efforts to promote the sport," said Prakash Gosavi, speaking to Indiarace, "we have record Derby crowd every year--but most of these people don't return to explore horse racing further. The reason is a bit paradoxical, I think."

Gosavi went on to explain the paradox: "While it's very easy for the first-timer to understand win & place betting where they focus on only one horse and try their luck, he gets confused with terms like forecast, quinella, etc, the 30% & 70% splits of the tanala and jackpot pools. He also is all at sea about how our handicapping system and classes are structured, and how to read form of the horse by reading data in the race book. We will address these issues in a very direct and simple way so as to make things understandable for the newcomer."

The course duration will be one hour, and will be held exactly two hours before the time of the first race on the Sunday card.

To enroll, call Mahalaxmi racecourse (022-23071396) between 10 am & 5 pm.