The recent public flare-up and ugly mobbing at the paddock and weighing room has raised many questions about the security measures and the vulnerability to such blackmail tactics by unruly crowds over incidents that are best left at the discretion of the stewards. Stewarding though, is a thankless job and their decisions are seldom accepted universally. The job and the transparency that should go with it would be apt if professional stewards are put in place. Most of the elected Stewards for time immemorial have been owners/breeders all along, thus, a cause for consternation for the followers of the sport does arise.

The recent decisions meted out to trainers Pesi Shroff and Subhag Singh have racked up controversy as well and this has further stirred the hornet’s nest. Such circumstances can surely be avoided if professionals were roped in to manage the day to day racing and the stewards of the club act as an appellate body, though not the final one as the Board of Appeal would be the authority to dispense appeals.

 To curb further apprehensions and negative scrutiny on the fairness of the authorities,  stern measures are necessary. In an unprecedented move, Chairman Vivek Jain mooted a proposal of inducting professional stewards to do the job. Mr Jain’s proposal got the ready backing of the committee in their recent meeting.

“There have been allegations of bias and that is not doing any good for the sport. The stewards have been accused of being put under pressure by members, owners and even professionals when a horse/trainer/jockey close to them is involved. Most stewards have impeccable reputation, yet they are sometimes charged unfairly of favouritism or harbouring vested interests. Also, the dynamics and conflicts of stewards being owner-breeders have been questioned,” said Mr Jain.

“In my opinion, appointing professional stewards will go a long way in establishing the intent and integrity to this aspect.  It is a path breaking reform for western India racing and I plan to have it discussed at the next AGM. After the members’ mandate and going through the rules and procedures we will have a clearer picture on how to go about implementing it. We can go ahead only after discussing with the members and on ascertaining the credentials of the candidates available to act as stewards to run the sport. The next obvious corollary will be to professionalize the Board of Appeal as well,” says Mr Jain.

On the subject of the annual elections, Mr Jain said, “A critical area would be to bring in an election code of conduct and give the members the freedom of voting as per their will. In recent times, the slander campaign before and after the elections reached a new low. One has to put the affairs of the club and the administration of the sport at high priority and above self,” he added.

In a recent observation, the Supreme Court dwelt at length on the clash of interest by owners of a team administering the sport in cricket. If RWITC brings about this innovative and progressive step, it would go a long way in showing its intent in restoring the faith of the numerous followers of this glorious sport of horseracing.