The much publicised annual auction sales at Mumbai made a grand comeback, but opinion was mixed on its suitability at being a preferred sales venue.

The sales were held in the backdrop of a huge crisis for the industry, and to see the enthusiasm for the prized lots was hence a revelation, as there is no silver lining for The club’s earning on commission as auctioneers on its sales were a paltry 6.5 lakhs, but still better than probably ever in the last decade.

While a packed paddock watched the proceedings, so wonderfully conducted by Cyrus Madan, for the vast majority, it was just pure entertainment or networking with the breeders. There are several take-homes from this brave attempt to revive the sales. Firstly, bidders should be pre-registered and each is given a “paddle” for easy identification and/or be approved owners or trainers. The farce of false bidding up to the “reserve” must stop. Either a stipulation is to be put that horses entering must have a ceiling of a low reserve price or the bidding start only at the reserve, which will prevent the fiasco of offers from non-existing bidders and, importantly, save much time, more so as each day dragged on for hours.

The attendance at the “rolls” was poor with hardly any interest from buyers. The club may think of incentivising outstation owners/ trainers and/or give some other sop to local owners as a means to attract much higher numbers. Though the “big bang” return to Mumbai ended in somewhat of a whimper, much can be improved after a brainstorming session with the vendors -- big and small -- and the doyens of the sport.

Courtesy TOI