Nanoli Stud Farm quits as Pune Derby sponsor - By Usman Rangeela I Mirror
Posted on - 16 Oct 2015
Nanoli Stud Farm quits as Pune Derby sponsor
By Usman Rangeela
Mumbai Mirror
Dealing a body blow to the management of the Royal Western India Turf Club, as far as sponsorship of its major horse-racing events is concerned, former RWITC chairman Khushroo Dhunjibhoy owned Nanoli Stud Farm has decided to end its two-decade old association with the Pune Derby.
This shocking development comes close on the heels of the recent news about United Spirits Limited distancing itself from sponsoring the Indian Derby.
Dhunjibhoy has informed the RWITC about this decision just four days after the running of the Pune Derby, a prime event in the monsoon racing season's programme.
Revealing the reason behind the decision to stop sponsoring the Pune Derby, Dhunjibhoy said, “There was no visible enthusiasm from the club to either promote the Pune Derby or add stake-money from its funds to make the event more attractive, which led to poor participation of horses and thus lack of competition. Consequently, we now have the lowest prize money on offer among all other monsoon Derbies hosted by different turf clubs.”
RWITC's marketing head Vivek Jain seemed unruffled by this development. When asked for his response, he said, ““I haven't seen Nanoli Stud Farm's letter as yet. However the critical issue in terms of both value and importance is the Indian Derby. Let us cross that hurdle first and then we will quite easily manage the Pune Derby.”
As for his meeting with USL regarding their pulling out from the Indian Derby sponsorship deal, Jain informed, “We had a good positive meeting. Both sides respected our strong relationship above all else. We are in discussions and another meeting is scheduled end of the month. Let us say it's work in progress and am hopeful of a conclusion within a few weeks but we have to give it time.”
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