The countdown seems to be dragging for the opening day of the ‘Trial Run of Sundown Racing’ as the wait seems never-ending. Once again the RWITC leads from the front in initiating ‘Night Racing’ that might change the face of Indian racing. The future certainly looks ‘bright’ with racing under floodlights taking its’ first stride into making night racing a reality. This perhaps is the most major shake-up for Indian racing and is potentially the much-needed boost to racing in general and also to provide another trendy, exciting venue for the citizens of the city that never sleeps, to enjoy themselves at dusk.

The Mahalakshmi racecourse has always enjoyed an iconic status and the RWITC is universally looked upon as the premier racecourse in the country. The Managing Committee headed by Chairman Mr KN Dhunjibhoy and Dr Ram Shroff, Committee member and Steward of the Club, as also the Chairman of the Night Racing Working Group, have made all this possible through sheer dedication and the will to take horseracing to a higher level. Sport today is a mammoth entertainment Industry; hence, a corporate-like professionalism in governing and promoting the sport is more a necessity than once believed. A high-level of spectator draw is imperative and retaining the numbers is challenging. To achieve the end goal, such innovative and exciting propositions, thus, become the key to success. Horseracing has seen its best days and it was time to review the future of the sport. Racing has a decent following, but like any other sport, the crux is on ensuring a healthy turn-out and instilling interest in the game among the newer generation. The introduction of night racing under floodlights thus, comes as just the shot in the arm that could prove to be a masterstroke. This is certain to provide the rejuvenating vigour that it takes for this noble sport to thrive.   

The State Government too must now see this move as a forward step and lend all possible assistance to make this venture a hugely successful one. The burden of heavy taxation has already bogged down the progress of the sport and to add to the woes, the racecourse land renewal is still ‘planted in the gates’. Horseracing is hugely popular throughout the country and the following in sheer numbers is second only to cricket. With the introduction of night racing the potential for the sport to grow is massive, particularly for a city like Mumbai where traffic congestion and car parking are hazardous and a big challenge. With the club’s abundant parking space and assorted food counters combining with high-octane live action, the Mumbai racecourse would be an ideal evening out for families & friends. Add to that an array of alternative entertainment for all ages including children and it certainly appears an overwhelming outlet for thousands of mumbaikars that are constantly looking for newer ways to revel. Its’ about time that the state Government machinery encourage the RWITC and back the club in this enterprising endeavour and give the people of the city a great new venue to indulge after sundown.

Mr KN Dhunjibhoy is optimistic, “We are all set to add a new chapter in Indian racing history by organizing evening racing at the Mahalakshmi racecourse. It is a fantastic initiative by the Club and this would be undoubtedly a game changer which will increase the footfall. I am confident that with evening racing, the Mahalakshmi racecourse would turn into one of the exciting and enjoyable destinations for the mumbaikars to spend evenings with their family,” he said.          

 Dr Ram Shroff, Chairman Night Racing Working Group, said, “I am thrilled to initiate and run this project with the support of my colleagues. I am certain this will change the way racing is conducted in this country. We are proud to associate with Cambay Tiger who will be helping us redefine racing.

Mr Shivam Gupta, Director, Cambay Tiger stated, “At Cambay Tiger we believe in innovation and novelty. This event is an innovative boost to the lifestyle of our city. We are extremely proud to be part of history.”

So it’s a 4 pm start on the opening day of racing under light at the Mahalakshmi racecourse with nine races slated for the day…errr... evening, the last race scheduled at 8 15 pm (wow). The suspense is now seeping in as the D day draws closer. 8 15 pm is well past ‘daana’ time (dinner) for horses. How would they cope on this change? Interesting! The weather will be less sweltering than afternoons obviously, so, will the horses enjoy this and pick up more speed? Would a new course record be set by one who loves to race at night? How would they react to the glare of the flood-lights? The professionals too would have done some extra homework to ensure their wards do them proud. Whatever the case may be, the racing fraternity is certainly proud on the development and we at indiarace.com along with our long associated browsers and the horse-talk members extend our hearty congratulations and best wishes to the RWITC for making this attractive proposition of night racing see the ‘light of day’!