In these unusual times, where the refrain is the new normal, online betting may become the new way to be at the races. On Sunday, the punters following Mumbai racing which is currently on at the Pune race course, could log into the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) website and follow instructions to bet online.

Club chairman Zavaray Poonawalla claims teamwork, dedication and passion with a 12 by 7 effort got the green light for online betting. The silver-haired first amongst equals of Western racing, Mr ZP, as the chairman is known, said he was tired and elated at the same time. Asked whether this significant win came with a cautionary caveat that land sharks will eye the Mahalaxmi race course, if attendance thins further because of online betting, when racing returns to Mumbai beyond the pandemic, Poonawalla stoutly denied it.