RWITC, in an attempt at wooing in more patrons to throng the racecourse, present a new option for enjoying a thrilling evening out. For a city that never sleeps, a high-end destination to be out in the expansive lung-space of Mumbai watching majestic equine athletes power their way to success, would be an ideal new venue to bask with family and friends. The iconic Mahalaxmi racecourse has been glowing in full bloom the past few days with the illumination spotted from far and traffic deliberating slowing down to soak in the electrifying atmosphere as vehicles crawl past the racecourse periphery.

Mr Zavaray Poonawalla has most certainly worked his hardest over the past few months since taking over as the Chairman of the RWITC. After putting his hand up voluntarily to dig into his own pocket and sponsor the ‘night racing’ offering well over Rs Eleven Million, ‘ZSP’ as he is fondly referred to, also has gone through the all the hard drills of overseeing that the ground logistics are on schedule and galloping at the right speed and direction. His enthusiasm is surely rubbing off as the Club’s officials, particularly Additional Secretary Mr NHS Mani, Estate officer Suhail Khan and Admin Officer G Venkateshan among others putting in their heart and soul in ensuring that the racing spectacle will take off on a grand note. All these gentlemen are well and truly burning the midnight lamp and the impact they have made has been immense.

“We wanted to give the sport a much-needed boost and with a venue as beautiful as the Mahalaxmi racecourse, we would love to welcome more and more people, particularly the younger generation to enjoy this kingly sport. The efforts have been tremendous, but I don’t tier as the vision, the passion and the will to excel supersedes other priorities at the moment. We are all working as one team in unison with a common goal which is to scale up the quality, add innovations, moving with the times and providing an addition in the business of sport combined with entertainment for all ages. Saturday is a landmark day for the entire racing fraternity and I am hoping the following for this lovely sport multiplies many folds,” said ZSP.

The racing program of eight races is an attractive one with well-filled card in all most all races. The highlight will be the inaugural running of the Zavaray Poonawalla Evening Racing Triple Million which offers a mind-boggling Trophy that stands over four feet and valued at a whopping million rupees! For the winner, it would be invaluable and the pride and glory at winning such a high profile race would get the best out of everyone concerned.

On the fringe of the live action under the floodlit sprawling lush green lawns, there will be a brief inauguration just after the 6 pm race. A formal opening ceremony with a traditional cake-cutting will be followed by a breathtaking display of fireworks, music and frolic. Off the track, one is ensured of a variety of ‘drink and eat’ fiesta with popular brands such as royal China, Delhi Durbar, elbow Room and Café Coffee day all set to host the thousands that are expected to throng the Mahalaxmi. Swinging retro music rendered by the popular group – The Other People will add to the flamboyant ambience well past the racing action.

The first 3000 entrants will receive privileged dinner coupons which again is a great combo for those with an appetite for tasty desi biriyani. It is an evening well-packaged to elevate the levels of horseracing and in keeping with the pride of place that the RWITC enjoys over the rest of the centres in the country.

The younger generation in particular would have the best option for proposing to those who they fancy by posing the request – How about a Date….under the …er…Floodlights? Would any damsel have the heart to decline? Only one way to find out – ASK!