Statement by Vivek Jain, Chairman, RWITC on the commencement of the Mumbai Race Meeting 2014-2015
Posted on - 14 Nov 2014
STATEMENT BY VIVEK JAIN, CHAIRMAN, RWITC ON THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE MUMBAI RACE MEETING 2014-2015.
The 43 days Mumbai Season, and quite clearly the crown jewel of all racing seasons in India, is in all readiness to “gallop” off the blocks!
THE HIGHLIGHTS:
PRIZE MONEY
The advertised prize money is about Rs.24 crores, up significantly from Rs.19.6 crores last year. However, after adding performance bonus, sweepstakes and the extra payout for divided races, the actual disbursement will cross Rs.30 crores, making the payout the highest at a single season, anywhere in the country. This is in recognition to support our owners who have been hit by rising maintenance costs.
SPONSORSHIPS
The Club maintains its leadership position in attracting record sponsorships and alliances, and the season ahead will be no exception. Contributions will cross Rs.12.5 crores, an all-time record for a single season of racing in the country. Virtually, every weekend of racing over the five and a half month season will feature a sponsored and/or graded race. Several Sundays have the entire day sponsored. In addition to the prize money, the bigger days will be promoted as carnivals of leisure, entertainment and prizes, adding to the lure of the day.
THE McDOWELL SIGNATURE INDIAN DERBY (GRADE 1)
The Indian Derby Weekend (31st January and 1st February 2015) is the biggest in Indian Racing and the UB Group is approaching 30 years of continuous sponsorship of this mega event, a record for any sporting event. The race, this year will cross the 3.5 crore mark in prize money, making it one of the richest sporting events in the country, and promoted with pomp and splendor by United Spirits and the RWITC.
THE RACING PROGRAM
The racing program gets a new innovative look with a record number of graded races, millions and multi millions across all age groups. As many as 14 races for the new crop will carry a minimum purse of Rs.1 million or more, a new record. For the first time, Double Stakes Handicaps and several Millions for the regular handicaps have been planned for an all round distribution of stakes.
FIRST EVER CHAMPIONS DAY AT THE RWITC
For the first time in the history of Indian Racing, a “Champions Day” a la Ascot will be held, promoted by Blue Star Diamonds. Three graded races and two millions and a celebratory race will add up to a fabulous day in racing. The graded races will cover a sprint, middle distance and a stayers race.
THE OMKAR INDIAN TURF INVITATION CUP – 2015
It is the turn of the Indian Turf Invitation Cup weekend 2015 by rotation, to be held in Mumbai on 28th February and 1st March 2015 which will be sponsored by OMKAR Realtors and Developers Pvt. Ltd. OMKAR will sponsor the three principal Grade 1 races and join the RWITC’s growing band of sponsors. All races on both the days will have a minimum 1 million in prize money.
ALLIANCES
The Club has always viewed the media and the hospitality industry as its partners in promotion of the sport. Hence, in the media space, partnership with Mid Day, Forbes, Hello!, G2 will give the Club visibility in their papers and magazines.
HOOF PRINT
The Club introduced Hoof Print, an electronic e-mailer few seasons ago, to keep members updated on weekly features, with images and information. This has been very popular amongst the members fraternity, and the new revamped look is sure to be appreciated by all.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Club has made corporate social responsibility a focus area and as last year, we will associate with several NGOs both on race days and other events, to help a range of noble causes. The Mumbai Season kicks off in partnership with The Indian Cancer Society, which is a great way to start the season. An exclusive race day in aid of the Rotary Foundation will be another first for the RWITC, with as many as six races named in honour of various Rotary Clubs, who are raising a substantial amount by this association. The first three Sundays have a charitable focus.
ROBET BETTING MACHINES TO BE INTRODUCED
New betting terminals which accept debit cards and 2 self-vending tote machines are being introduced. If these are successful more such machines will be added.
MEMORIAL RACES
We wish to pay homage to those members, involved at some stage with governance who passed away and were contributors to the sport, as owners, breeders or trainers. We continue the Dr. Jagjit Singh Million on Champions’ Day, The Gracias Saldanha Memorial Million, sponsored by the wife of a long standing member. New additions are races named in memory of Dr. Goolam Vahanvati and Ibrahim Rahimtoola, each with decades of association with the sport, and races will be run in their memory.
36th ASIAN RACING CONFERENCE.
The RWITC Ltd. is privileged to have won the rights to host the 36th Asian Racing Conference in Mumbai in January 2016 and we were awarded the rights after the Chairmen, Turf Authorities of India, unanimously requested our Club to take on the responsibility of hosting this international conference. About 700 delegates from countries around the world and distinguished invitee speakers are expected to attend this event. The first announcements will go out shortly.
INFRASTRUCTURE
The Club has undertaken renovation of certain stable blocks in the first line as also the syce quarters which was long overdue. An upgrade of the first enclosure is being planned to cater to the public. A revamped Food Court and Sunday brunches are on our menu.
KIDS ZONE
In order to attract families and kids we have for the first time introduced a Kids’ Zone at the races. The famous Fit Kid Fun factory will be showcased on most Sundays with bouncy carts, tattoo artists and more.
We have planned a season like never before. Great racing, superb ambience and varied entertainment will keep the adrenaline flowing all season long.
************
