As night racing made it debut this Mumbai racing season on Saturday, the green emerald of SoBo glittered and mesmerised all. The hardy old banyans and other trees shone with a million lights placed at strategic points, while, on the tracks, the finest steeds put up a show fit for kings. But what the public revelled in most is the one thing we are all starved of — space.

As Mahalaxmi Race Course threw open its lawns, one could see people ambling through the green, open space, enjoying the seating arrangements and betting at windows. It was a Mumbai party unlike any other — no elbow in somebody’s face, no stepping on toes or squeezing between other partygoers for a slice of the action. The evening itself brought forth feelings that every inch of this green and pleasant land is worth fighting for.