Yesterday, this paper ran a front-page report about how a section of the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) is unhappy about the state government’s Code of Conduct imposed on western India’s apex racing body, prior to the committee elections to be held on September 8. The code of conduct stipulates that candidates must not hold parties in the run-up to the election to lure voters. Cocktail dos and gifts to induce the electorate into voting for certain candidates are forbidden. What this essentially asks for is that elections be fought on merit this time, instead of those traditional woo-the-voter glitzy dos.

Those familiar with the racing body know that the election run-up is party-hearty time for the electorate. Gifts flow, parties abound and expensive liquor is an added incentive at these meets. The code of conduct aims to tackle this aspect and put certain restrictions on contesting candidates, including one that states they should restrict election spending to R50,000. Those who have racing at heart will be hoping for less muck flying around this year.