I have made up my mind to challenge BTC: Zavaray Poonawalla

Zavaray Poonawalla

Pune: As all eyes will be glued on racing action which resumes in western India today with the start of Pune monsoon season, some behind-the-scene moves in the hallowed committee room of the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) in fact may have greater impact on the race club's fortune, and by consequence, on racing's future.

Zavaray Poonawalla

Speaking exclusively to mid-day on the eve of a fresh season, Zavaray Poonawalla, chairman of the race club, said he has hardened his stance against the revenue sharing arrangement between the RWITC & BTC (Bangalore Turf Club), and is unlikely to change his mind.

It may be noted that the revenue split between the two premier race clubs in India has always been a bone of contention, mainly because the BTC makes a fortune on RWITC's racing product (Mumbai & Pune races), but shares only a paltry sum as royalty to the host center. "I spent two hours studying the accounts and calculations, and I can tell you this is just not right," Poonawalla, who recently underwent a medical procedure from which he has not fully recovered, said, adding, "I have the unanimous support of my entire committee on this."

Luckily for Bangalore rail birds, who stand the risk of losing their privilege of watching Pune races, the heat brewing between the two prime race clubs in the country will not affect them, at least not today and tomorrow, as the matter is likely to come up for discussion only next week when the two turf authorities interact with each other.

The Pune season will feature 24 race days, seven of them special race days in aid of charities.
The dates:
July 2016: Thu, 28; Fri, 29
August 2016: Sat, 6; Sun, 7; Sun, 14; Mon, 15; Sat, 20; Sun, 21; Sat, 27; Sun, 28
September 2016: Sat, 3; Sun, 4; Sat, 10; Sun 11; Sat, 17; Sun 18; Sat, 24; Sun 25
October 2016: Sat, 8; Sun, 9; Sat, 15; Sun 16; Fri, 21; Sat, 22.
(24 days)