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.