Several positives for the RWITC over the weekend - By Vivek Jain

• The dispute with BTC got a reprieve, on the ticklish royalty impasse, by a stroke of luck and some positive re thinking by the RWITC Committee.  While the RWITC has been  adamant that its stand of payment by BTC  of a transparently calculated royalty amount of 23% of earnings, which has been the precedent for years was correct, the BTC has been arguing  that its offer of 2.5 crore (net of RWITC dues to it) was both fair and proper. This has dragged on for a month, with the standoff threatening to endanger both Clubs quite seriously.

• As the Chairmen of TAI were present in Mumbai to discuss the impact of GST and related issues, former Chairman Zavaray Poonawalla, who himself had started to play a more conciliatory role on the matter, got a few on the RWITC Committee to have an informal (on the sidelines) meeting with the Club heads. Thanks principally to the intervention of the TAI and the mediatory role played by Mr Poonawalla, excellent progress was made on a softening of its stand by the RWITC.

• I personally have always been of the view that a compromise was not only essential, but done soonest, and by restoring the signal without conditions, would help create an atmosphere of cordiality rather than hostility.  But we should not yet be dancing in the aisles, as the truce is temporary, and the ball is firmly in BTC’s court to respond positively. As a last resort, a mediation process was recommended by those present. I feel this, a hugely positive development for the racing fraternity, which came about almost providentially and proved what some give and take can achieve. I am most hopeful that a permanent solution can, and will be found.

• The Chairmen had a healthy discussion on GST and a detailed representation is being filed with both the Sports Ministry and the GST Council, to plead the industry’s case. That the truce with BTC came about just before this, ironed the way for a good debate and better spirit and establishing the way forward by the Club chieftains.

• The RWITC came out shining by its leadership in making available a sizeable donation for the next of kin of our soldiers who were martyred at Uri in J&K. By stepping forward with a contribution from its Charities Fund and then appealing to the generosity of the fraternity over the weekend, we expect the figure to be between 7-10 lakhs.  Major General Prithi Singh who represented the Southern Command on the day was not only touched and overwhelmed, but spoke of this signaling a strengthening of ties between the RWITC and the Command.  A great boost for the Club.

• On the racing front, a God descended on the turf, as the equine superstar,Desert God, enhanced his lead over Quasar in career prize money, and became the first horse in Indian racing history to cross  the 7 crore stake winnings mark. I was in the Stewards car for the race, and he looked a winner at every stage of fourteen furlongs of the race. I believe his astute trainer Padmanabhan is seriously considering a trip to Dubai for winning him fresh laurels. The RWITC was quick to honour this huge achievement straight after the race with a special presentation.