It's no secret that most of the Indian racing clubs are struggling to keep pace with the new demands, state-of-the-art technology and facilities required to graduate to the next level. And that's simply due to the fact that most premier clubs are facing financial crisis. Conducting a full season with substantial increase in stakes and all the pomp and gaiety is just not possible taking into account that the revenue generated from betting is insufficient to run the show, thanks to the 40 percent GST. The killing GST percentage has not only cut down the revenue, but also chased out many sponsors and promoters of the game. The double blow has pushed most clubs back against the wall. Resilience is the key. And for the survival of the game you need genuine benefactors. Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) first struck a three-year deal with the big promoter in the game, Zavaray Poonawalla and now BTC have roped in the flamboyant go-getter Soli Merwan Cama, the head honcho of SM Cama Music and Production, who signed a three-race sponsorship deal costing 50-lakh. 

On Saturday, the Cama Music company will sponsor the Sprinters' Juvenile Million, which is at the mercy of a top youngster, Iron Mirage from champion trainer Prasanna Kumar's yard before hosting another plum million event on the eve of the Derby. Soli Merwan Cama, who loves race horses and is a big wildlife buff disclosed that his music company will also sponsor the prestigious Bangalore City Sprint Championship Gold Cup before the curtain for the summer season drops in the first week of August.  

"I love the game and I'm willing to promote the sport. I'm planning to also buy some bred in the purple yearlings from the top Indian stud farms, aware that you need to own quality stock to make a mark on the big stage, "said Merwan delighted with his maiden sponsorship and more importantly his association with the BTC. "It happened quickly and I'm most pleased and satisfied. BTC Steward Manjunath Ramesh offered the opportunity and I was happy to get on board and hopefully it will be a good long association, "said Merwan adding that he is ready and willing to do his best for the game. 

Three races apart, the Cama Music and Production are conducting a game of skill on Derby day, offering more than 10 big prizes, the winner driving home a Toyota Glanza. "The idea is to offer the railbirds a chance to win something worthwhile without needing to invest money. The railbirds are the chief patrons of the game and the onus is on the clubs to facilitate the racing buffs," signed off Merwan.