The countdown for the showdown at sundown  at Mahalaxmi on Tuesday, Dec 16 has begun for the RWITC elections and the two groups led by former chairman Khusroo Dhunjibhoy  and  the present chief Vivek Jain are confident following the elaborate campaigns to entice the members who  are playing king makers in what on cards is billed the big fight. 

After Team Dhunjibhoy  made it clear that their top priority is to gain the lease agreement and  development of infrastructure in the effort to facilitate the railbirds and owners  while providing a carnival atmosphere, the group led by Vivek in a `meet the press’  on Thursday  disclosed that  the team is confident of the support from the members and that  the performance  vote will go in their favour on E-day. 

“I’m confident and my team is seeking vote on performance alone and the members understand that we  did stretch  every sinew to  provide a clean and competitive atmosphere,” said Vivek Jain pointing out that the number  of sponsors that  his team had roped in is unmatched and that  his team will continue to bring in new promoters. 

`` We  already have struck a Rs two crore  deal  with the Omkar Group who will sponsor  all the graded races during the Invitation Cup weekend to be held in Mumbai in the first week-end of March,” said Vivek . 

The chairman of the RWITC further  disclosed that  the present committee has also finalised  sponsorship with the British Sportsman Group for Rs 10 crore spread over a 10-year period. 

Choosing to  speak on what Dhunjibhoy reasons is a tall claim by the rival group, Khuroo said:  “Let me tell you that the Sportsman Group  initiative was not their endeavour and  earlier Team Jain had cancelled a theatre contract for the Pune Club signed by his team,  the moment  Jain and his team took charge. They clearly are not in favour of theatre or music, “  pointed out the former chairman.  

Vivek  Jain  pleased that  the biggest promoter and supporter of Indian racing Zavaray Poonawalla who is instrumental in providing a saddle to the Indian horse on international circuit  revealed that  Zavaray  joining his team only confirms that they are the real performers  and not pretenders. 

“It took a while to convince Zavaray to join the group. He initially was reluctant but after understanding that RWITC needs a team that  has the ability to deliver, Zavaray  joined  the team and with Zavaray on our side we are ready to scale a new high,” said Vivek. 

Well with Zavaray on one side  and Vijay Shirke in the other team, it appears that the  select and elect line the members promise to toe on Tuesday is certain to evoke maximum interest on E-day .  And it will come as no surprise if the two top the polls  taking into account that  Zavaray and Shirke  boast of a clean record  in a game  which is still struggling to shed the mug’s game tag.