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First Day Race-Card likely on January 31st 2009

By Mahendra Mallya | 10 Jan 2009 | MUMBAI


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There is some good news at last! The eagerly awaited Mumbai Season 2009, in all likelihood, sees its first day race card on 31st January 2009. The committee is already looking to frame races for the first two days of racing (Jan 31st & Feb 1st). This would be, of course, subject to all the paper work duly completed and the formal nod from the Government Authorities on the matter, which is soon expected. It may be recalled, that the Government Authorities had restricted the movement of horses in the state until 15th of February. A core committee, representing the racing fraternity had met the Commissioner, Animal Husbandry in Pune and submitted representations regarding the notification issued by the Government of Maharashtra banning movement of horses and racing. The Commissioner, it was learnt, was very receptive and ensured that he would send his team to inspect the status of the horses. He also stated that if the report showed no horses with clinical signs of Equine influenza, he would recommend to the Department Secretary, Agricultural Ministry and Government of Maharashtra to rescind the ban notification. He also said that he would do this in a time bound period of about 7 days. It is firmly felt now that the Government may relax the ban imposed on racing and movement, tentatively, around 15th January 2009. Is the Mahalaxmi Race Course aptly geared to accommodate the patrons? The Members' Stand which was devastated by fire last year hasn't been touched for repairs whatsoever. According to Mr. Vivek Jain "the Members' stand is awaiting repairs owing to the necessary BMC approvals. However, we have made adequate alternate arrangements to seat our members. The New Stands and a portion of the 1st enclosure stand will also be designated specially for our members. We are also considering the possibility if it would be safe enough to use the lowest deck of the Members stand since it was not affected by the fire at all. The members' lawns could also provide an alternative. A temporary seating arrangement on the lawns is another option that could be considered". Regarding the running of the Indian Classics, Mr. Jain said "the 4 Indian Classics – the 1000 & 2000 Guineas, the Oaks and the Indian Derby will be run during the season in Mumbai. The Indian St Leger, however, will be run later in Pune. The prospectus for the forthcoming Mumbai Season is on the drawing board and we will soon publish the same, of course we will do so taking into consideration inputs from the owners and trainers quarters as well". On the status of the Invitation Cup, Mr. Jain said "The BTC looks to be the best equipped to hold the prestigious race at their centre. They have been requested to look into that possibility and they have to now revert. In a worst case scenario, should they decline, the race, I am afraid, would have to be cancelled this year". The horses, meanwhile in Pune, are working full scale and the morning track work has been busy. Horses have begun to canter and those there in Pune feel that the horses are looking good and should be ready before long to pound the race track at the Mahalaxmi Race course. Speaking to Indiarace, Trainer Pesi Shroff said that the horses are well on course to recovery and the progress they are making was encouraging. Asked about the two Stars in his stables - Set Alight and Phenomenale – in particular, would they recoup completely and be as formidable as before, Pesi said "They are recovering. I am taking it step by step and not rushing with them at all. I am patient and sensibly optimistic. We have never encountered such an epidemic ever before so it's hard to really predict anything accurately. They are getting the best care possible and are responding satisfactorily. I am monitoring their progress on a day to day basis". The worst, then, is thankfully over! It would be a big relief once the races commence and explosive racing activity will restart on the Mahalaxmi track. The RWITC will understandably take it slowly in the beginning. The first two days might well see a small race card of six races or so and they may all be short sprint races. Feedback from the Delhi Race Course also has been positive. The runners there returned to their stables and were found to be sound with no sign of any discomfiture whatsoever when examined the morning after the races. The horses from Pune, will in all probability be transported to Mumbai post 15th January. The stables and other infrastructure for the horses are ready for the thoroughbreds and the punters, certainly are eager to get on with the races, hardly willing to wait any longer.