Despite manifold increase in betting tax, RWITC claims response has been encouraging
DNA
The Mumbai season of the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) has been on a high despite many hurdles. What has impressed many of the followers of this sport is that the attendance at the race courses, both in Mumbai and Pune, has been on the rise regardless of manifold raise in the betting tax over the last two years.
“The rise in the attendance at the race courses is an encouraging factor for this sport. This despite the fact that the government has not relaxed the tax, which has been hurting many,” said Vivek Jain, chairman of RWITC.
“The stake money has also been on the higher side. I should thank the sponsors as it is their move that has helped increase the stake money and all the Sunday races are sponsored,” said Jain.
Also, there is no dearth of celebrities with Bollywood actors such as Bipasha Basu, Vidya Balan, Abhishek Bachchan and Dharmendra, to name a few, have added glamour to the races.
The launch of R1, a brand to promote horse racing has evoked good response and the live telecast of two Classics has added more viewership. The live broadcast of racing on their website www.rwitc.com has been a new feather in their cap.
The club has been forthright in having a race day in aid of the Indian Cancer Society. What has boosted the morale of the trainers and owners is the fact that the club has several ‘millions’ races run for all age groups. It has been possible because of the receipt of a two-year racing licence from the government.
Non-racing events such as the Marathi Bana, Toumani Diabate concert and Avicii have added colour to the race, both at the Mahalaxmi and Pune race courses.
