All the hurdles were cleared for the start of the Mumbai Racing Season 2008-09. With almost half the season lost due to the dreaded Equine Influenza, there was fear of further delay in clearing the paperwork and getting necessary approvals from the Government. All apprehensions however, were laid to rest and it is now confirmed that the Mumbai Races will start from the 31st January, 2009.

A delegation consisting of Mr Geoffrey Nagpal, Dr FF Wadia, Mr Shivlal Daga and Mr KN Dhunjibhoy visited the Commissioner, Animal Husbandry around the end of December to remove the ban as the horses were by then free of equine influenza and had recovered completely. After a physical inspection, the recommendation was forwarded to the Secretariat in Mumbai.

In view of certain objections ostensibly being raised by the Secretariat, which would have delayed the removal of the ban, Mr Vivek Jain, Chairman of the Stewards with Mr. Engineer called on both the Secretary and Deputy Secretary in the Animal Husbandry Department in Mumbai to plead for a favourable decision on the removal. It was pleaded that the horses have had nearly eight weeks of rest and are free of the disease. It was emphasized that other centres hit by EI had started racing weeks ago. The representation was accepted on merit immediately and a notification permitting movement after Jan 19 will be gazetted once the formalities are completed.

The horses, meanwhile still stationed in Pune, are giving every evidence of well-being. The track work is now regular and the professionals too are keen to get into action. The Patrons in Mumbai too were excited with the conformation of the start. The first week-end may see a rather small card but that is understandable. The Season will pick up momentum soon with the 1000 Guineas, the first Classic of the season scheduled for 1st March, 2009.

The Indian St Leger has been postponed and will be run in Pune later this year. Mr. Vivek Jain informed indiarace.com that almost all the sponsors were extremely co-operative and had given a free hand to the RWITC to decide the rescheduling. The Club too, on their part would keep the sponsors' interest in mind while setting up dates. The Club has also ensured that all the Group 1 races and other feature events will be run during the season.

Finally, the Stewards have fixed the Classic dates as March 1 (1000 Guineas) March 8 (2000 Guineas) Mar 29 (Oaks) and Apr 5 (Derby). The Indian St Leger is postponed to Pune.