Do the Mumbai racing buffs want evening racing? Yes is the answer. Are the owners, pros and the railbirds looking forward to the evening racing carnival? Again it is a big yes.

The managing committee of the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) spearheaded by chairman Vivek Jain and the former chairman Zavaray Poonawalla, who sponsored racing under lights last season have decided to conduct 21-days of racing under lights in Mumbai and the racing fraternity at this premier club is delighted with the prospect.

Vivek Jain disclosed that Moon-Dust evening festival will prove to be a big draw and it will help bring in the crowds on Thursdays. It is no secret that the attendance at Mahalaxmi on Thursdays is poor and the committee has done well to address the issue, providing a carnival atmosphere, music, food and a host of small comedy shows lined up for the show-down after sun-down.

In their bid to make night racing competitive, the decision makers have included a couple of `Millions’ and a number of quality events to sustain the interest of the regular racegoers and the bookmakers who didn’t fancy night racing  when the lights were switched on for the first time at Mahalaxmi  are looking forward to the day/night affair.

A leading bookmaker revealed that night racing after making a promising start slipped down but after Zavaray Poonawalla  sponsorship helped take it to the next level, it appears flood-lit racing at Mahalaxmi is here to stay.

Most owners are of the view that it is the best address in town for a fun-filled social evening with family and friends and this response has provided the men calling the shots at the top club a reason to smile.

Vivek Jain who has played a stellar role in providing a new dimension to the sport, roping in all the top sponsors is confident that the club will get sizeable number of top brands in their fold and the big tip from the little bird on the big tree at Mahalaxmi is that the Moon Dust is a sure-fire winner.

On the opening night, RWITC has framed a good and competitive card of seven events and the pros are gearing up to strut their stuff on the first night.

Well all said and done the stage is set and the onus is on the railbirds to make it a bright night.  And to the small group of critics who are of the view that night racing is a losing proposition and will cost the club which is not financially healthy, dear, the odds are tilted in favour of evening racing and the wheel of fortune also points to Moon Dust.  That’s a good sign and hopefully the night stars in the sky will provide the silver lining to the brave, bold and beautiful exercise of RWITC.