RWITC chairman Poonawalla optimistic about Pune racing season

The Mumbai racing season was abruptly called off due to the lockdown imposed in view of the COVID19 pandemic Even now uncertainty prevails over the start of the Pune monsoon season scheduled to begin in July because racehorses are still stranded at MahalaxmiZavaray Poonawalla chairman of the Royal Western India Turf Club RWITC was however optimistic while speaking to midday explaining the measures put in place and how he intends to press the restart button for the sportEdited excerpts from the interviewIn view of the current pandemic and with the May heat already upon us what about the plan to shift the horses to PuneLet me assure all racegoers and readers that inspite of this dreadful pandemic things at the Mahalaxmi racecourse are under control and I am optimistic of not only racing coming back to near normalcy but would also like everyone to know that our racecourse is in good shape and that we are taking good care of our horses and workers We are in touch with the government authorities to procure necessary permissions and organising logistics to transport horses to Pune prior to the onset of the monsoonsHow are the horses and the syces attendants being looked afterHorses are getting their daily exercise as per their needs As far as the feed is concerned at this stage they are on lighter diet but all their requirements are being fulfilled The syces within the racecourse are being well looked after The basic needs of all other staff and workers are also being catered to They are provided one meal daily by horse owners So all in all things are good within the parameters of our racecourseAre you looking at the possibility of conducting the Pune season without the spectators if need be like Hong Kong or would you rather wait till the pandemic situation gets betterTo conduct racing without spectators is a huge effort and requires special arrangements in coordination with the government We are working towards the same including some novel ideas which could be the new silver lining to racing in India We are also preparing the Pune track in a way that whenever racing gets the green signal we will be ready to raceWith racing already facing huge financial problems due to GST how do you plan to pull out of the financial crisis which is worsened by the pandemicWe have implemented stringent cost cutting guidelines slashing expenditure in every avenue where possible However keeping in mind the human aspect in these difficult times is also importantAlso we have done well in the past financial year despite the Covid 19 outbreak causing tremendous disruption and abruptly stopping the Mumbai racing seasonMany Members and general racegoers have raised there concern over the temporary quarantine tents for COVID patients that have been erected in the parking lots Do you think this can lead to a takeover of that areaNot at all There is no such danger to the clubs property The Government at such times has the privilege of occupying places which could help during the pandemic National Sports Club Of India NSCI is one such Club next to us that too has temporarily handed over their property BMC found our parking lot most suitable and therefore not only are we obliged to accommodate in such a situation but are most pleased to support our government initiative to utilize the space for the benefit of our Mumbai cityCatch up on all the latest sports news and updates hereAlso download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates MidDay is now on Telegram Click here to join our channel middayinfomedialtd and stay updated with the latest news