Mahalakshmi Race Course and the RWITC celebrate the 130th Anniversary in style - By Vivek Jain
Posted on - 27 Mar 2014
Mahalakshmi Race Course and the RWITC celebrate the 130thAnniversary in style
By Vivek Jain
It is not often that the Royal Western India Turf Club gets to celebrate a grand happening other than its yearly homage to the Indian Derby. So, when we stumbled upon the fact that racing moved to Mahalakshmi as far back as 1883, and hence the 2013-14 season marked its 130th anniversary, it deserved to be given a special remembrance.
The physical property that we manage, is the last living lung of South Mumbai, and loved by the city for its beauty and openness. That we run the sport of thoroughbred racing in the winter months is well known to the world, but now we are gradually but surely imprinting our hoof marks with a whole range of initiatives that makes us integral to the city, and beyond just racing. Though the future of this magnificent space is now being debated by political strongmen, with ideas of converting into a Central Park being bandied, it is clear that none possess our will and ability to ensure the sport survives and co exists with what is important for Mumbai.
Some of the important timelines:
1870 – The Byculla Club Purse starts; out of it, are given prizes for the first time. Perhaps, this is the origin of the Byculla Club Cup.
1878 – Racing shifts to Mahalaxmi Flats, built on the marshy land donated by the Philantraopist and Industrialist Sir Cusrow N. Wadia – Under the direction and supervision of Major J.E. Hughes – but is abandoned after one season because of difficulty of access and foul odour from the open diary nearby.
1883 – Racing finally shifts to Mahalaxmi.
1935 – HRH King George V, Emperor of India, grants permission to add the prefix “Royal” to the Club’s name.
1942 - 43 – The Indian classics, restricted to horses bred in India, introduced. Princess Beautiful, a Maharaja of Baroda filly, wins the Indian 1000 Guineas, the Indian 2000 Guineas and the Indian Derby.
1963 – The inaugural Indian Invitation Cup held at Mahalaxmi.
1971 – An all-time record jackpot of Rs.48,00,000/- won at Mahalaxmi by the Hindi film lyricist, Rajendra Krishnan.
1985 – The first running of the McDowell Indian Derby.
1990 – India’s first Million for 3-year olds is the Poonawalla Breeders’ Million. Le Gris Cheval wins the inaugural edition. It later reaches the Grade III status (1994), then Grade II (1995) and finally Grade I (1996).
2002 – Ten Sports starts live telecast of racing action at Mahalaxmi.
2004 – Innovative Monsoon track preparation (laying the tan outside it from 1400 metres to the winning post) to prevent horses running on the far out during heavy rains do not hit hard on the ground.
2008 – Equine influenza epidemic in Pune stables. Mumbai 2008 - 2009 season postponed.
2010 – RWITC signs a historic 30 crore 5 year agreement with USL for The Indian Derby weekend.
2013 – An entire race day sponsored for the Parsi community.
Take for instance, the Farmers Market, or football training for children, or programs such as Marathi Banaa in a tribute to Maharashtra. More recently, the Worli Festival brought people closer together and showcased the city’s heritage. What we’re seeing is the magnificent transition of the Club from being purely racing centric to one that envelops and is inclusive to the city at large.
Some of the landmark events at the RWITC over the last few years: Norah Jones in aid of Breast Cancer, association with Sahachari Foundation, Indian Cancer to name a few, an open air exhibition on Open Spaces, children’s events with The Madhu Mehta Foundation, Utsav and Muktangan and many more.
The launch of the Green Circle Foundation was a huge step to encompass activities with “sustainability” at its core, with a bio park, nature trail and solar lighting part of the initial plans. This will gradually build momentum and place the RWITC in a distinctive league, and as a champion of green causes. Charity has been another focus area, with an endless list of charitable associations through our Pune and Mumbai seasons.
To mark this momentous occasion, we had to do something different. So we commissioned India’s ace lensman, Raghu Rai to shoot exclusively for us, and the British artist, Jeremy Houghton, to present a range of watercolours of equestrian art for this event, both of which will be on display on the Sunday race day. And it is but fitting that the Anniversary race with a multi million purse is presented by Tata Housing, for the house of Tatas carry a rich heritage and are even more synonymous with the city than our magnificent oval green!
The race day will be abuzz with excitement with top sport, huge prizes, a record 130 lacs expected on the super jackpot and the exhibits! So, it effectively answers one question: Are the races just about the races? The response is an emphatic no, for our Club has for long infused excitement and thrills that infects many first time visitors as a truly enthralling experience!
Having played host to world dignitaries such as the Queen of England and the Shah of Iran, besides Maharajas, Bollywood stars and industrialists, we now see events around underprivileged children, open spaces and associations with good causes.
Its time to stand up and cheer as we thunder past this historic landmark.
