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“We want greater transparency, and will encourage superior communication practices through the year and this briefing is a first step in that direction,” he explained, adding that the RWITC seeks the media to support its objective of positive coverage of the sport and to desist from sensational reporting.
Putting on his best personal charm that came across as very genuine, Mr Vivek Jain was frank while addressing the media, and discussed the issues about the Club quite candidly. “The issues the Club is facing were the illegal claims made by BJRs and their non-payment of the agreed fees. The fixation of the year's licence fees by the State is another important issue. If we can get over these hurdles, it should prove to be an excellent year,” he said.
He was optimistic because his colleagues on the committee are highly enthusiastic, he said. "Everyone is keen to take an active part in contributing to take the Club forward to a newer level." Speaking on behalf of the committee, Mr Jain also said that each member of the governing body had assured him complete co-operation, and this sense of unity and harmony will surely give impetus to the club's agenda.
On the racing front, Mr Jain said the present season would be the best yet with a host of high-profile events and entertainment waiting to unfold. “The next few months will see exciting season - the best in India,” he said with a touch of pride. One of the big occasions that is sure to capture the eye-balls of millions across the country is the display of riding skills of famed Bollywood Star Salman Khan on the Mahalaxmi track. "On the Hello Million Day," he revealed, "film star Salman Khan will ride an exhibition race with the jockeys to promote his movie Veer."
Salman Khan will actually participate in a race with a mix of regular and aspiring jockeys on the main race track. Salman is supposed to be a rider of calibre and has ridden horses in movies. His ready-to-release movie Veer will start its promotional campaign, and what better way than having the macho hero ride in a race at the famed Mahalaxmi racecourse!
Nothing can beat the hype and hoopla of the McDowell Indian Derby. Mr Jain Stated, “The McDowell Indian Derby Weekend will as always be the biggest in promotion and entertainment.” Last year, Dr Vijay Mallya had the racing patrons in awe with a wonderfully showcased Derby day. The air-conditioned hanger to beat the April heat was most thoughtful and was a big hit with the patrons. The breathtaking aerial ballet and a host of other entertaining shows and music still rings in the mind. This year too, the mega event will enthral the Mumbaikars who have made the Derby an important ‘City Event’ over the decades.
Mr Jain announced that another interesting competition was in the fray this season. “A championship team event between Indian and foreign jockeys will highlight the S.C. Jain and Eclipse Day,” he added. This would be an 'Indian Jockeys Vs foreign jockeys' contest. Each jockey will earn points for the finish position during the day’s races, and the team aggregating higher points will be the winner. This event is bound to take the racing experience on the Dr SC Jain and Eclipse Stakes day to a new level.
The icing on the cake, so to speak, for the season will come in the first weekend of March. The Vandrevala Indian Turf Invitation Cup on March 6/7 will be the richest ever. Mahalaxmi racetrack will once again hold the centre-stage with horses from all over the country arriving to take a crack at one of the top-racing events of the country.
After his address, he invited the press persons to pose questions if they had any. Ms Hemal Asher of Mid-day wanted to know about the BJR (Gallops) issue. “We tried our best to resolve the matter amicably. It was they who went to the small causes’ court. There is a civil suit as well and the BMC is a respondent too. The matter is now in court,” Jain said.
As to the new restrictions posed on the parking area outside the restaurant, Mr Jain said that only Members were allowed to park their cars in that area and this was done under the advice and suggestion of the security advisors. “It is in the interest of security that the car passes are allotted only to members,” he added.
Mr Usman Rangila from Mumbai Mirror brought up the issue regarding the infrastructure in the general public (1st) enclosure. He pointed out that the TV Sets for viewing the races were outdated and the viewing space too was inadequate. To this, Mr Jain immediately told the secretary of the club Mr Behram Engineer to do the needful. “The members’ enclosure is more or less complete with all facilities in place, and very soon we will set up a team to look into these matters in the first enclosure as well. Your suggestions have been noted and necessary steps will be taken in due course,” he assured. Mr Jain also informed that better audio and visual systems were being considered. The possibility of adding new and more cameras at different angles was being studied, and the recommendations will be put before the committee for necessary action.
When Indiarace asked about the heavy taxation on betting, Mr Jain replied, “We have made several representations to the state government to reduce the betting tax which will only increase the revenue over the course of time. The Karnataka government’s positive view towards the BTC’s tax structure is a shining example. The collections there have gradually risen at an extra-ordinary level for all to see. We will take up the matter again with the authorities and request them to reconsider the present taxation structure.”
With every Sunday being a sponsored day, Mr Vivek Jain, who is by and large personally responsible for roping in the Sponsors, will have a very busy and a hectic schedule ahead. He will need every support he can get not only from the committee but also from the members who backed him overwhelmingly not only this year’s elections but in the past as well. Mr Jain said that he was banking on this very support and faith the members whole-heartedly extended to him year after year.
“We hope to involve the fraternity and adopt an inclusive approach in our decision making. Good Governance norms will be initiated. Budgeting will be monitored. We hope to make a difference,” concluded the Chairman.
