Recently, the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) sent a letter to 9300 members citing losses of Rs 25 crore for the last financial year
Recently, the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) sent a letter to 9300 members citing losses of Rs 25 crore for the last financial year. The racing club also stated that they are looking at a bigger loss this year. This news has possible ramifications that go far beyond racing, since the RWITC is the custodian of the Mahalaxmi racecourse.
For years now, this club has acted as guardian to SoBo’s green lung, the 226-acre space at Mahalaxmi. Through the club’s huge influence, the committee’s political clout and considerable visibility, it has managed to keep land sharks and politicians away from grabbing the land for commercial purposes.
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But the club is running with a major handicap —betting tax. Glamour, sponsors and marketing the races as a family-oriented day out is not paying off the way it should. We see high attendance on certain days, but those are few and far between. In the end, it is money that counts, and the only thing that will draw punters back to the racecourse is if they get more dividends on betting.
Now, the state has to look into reducing the betting tax, which is a high 30%, to help bring the crowds back to the racecourse. While the GST is still awaited, there has to be lobbying and an all-out effort to bring the tax down.
In the meanwhile, citizen activists need to be wary of attempts to take over the Mahalaxmi racecourse. Commercial exploitation, business proposals and even political parties coming inside the turf, disguising their motive as concern for the people, need to be strongly opposed. The Mumbaikar needs to be tougher than ever, with an unbending resolve to preserve the green turf.
It’s not just a financially strapped club, but the emerald of SoBo that needs the support of citizens. Get ready, Mumbai.
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