It's December when we meet them. The Adwalias are only a month away from making history. Set amid a cluster of electrical shops on Lamington Road, Turf Printing Works holds its ground. There is not a single proprietor in the neighbourhood who is alien to the making of this enterprise. And, when we meet the owners behind this printing house, Vijay Adwalia and son Hemin say it's no surprise. Cole, the racing booklet they publish, has survived the sands of time, galloping towards its centenary. "For the last 100 years, Cole has been the bible for racegoers in Mumbai. And will continue to be," says Vijay, 68.

In 1920, when racing action began at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, the Cole Race Card was born. On the grounds, competition was fierce and very soon, the racetrack was ritualised as entertainment for the elite. One would believe that wearing a hat to the races was a tradition highly upheld, but that wasn't the case. For those who sought quick fortunes at the Royal Western India Turf Club, carrying the most thorough and informative guide topped the priority list.