The ‘race for change’

Khushroo Dhunjibhoy and his team emerged victorious over the Vivek Jain led panel at the "high voltage” elections to the committee of the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) held on December 18, 2014. With their winning campaign "Race for Change” they are back in control of the reins after a hiatus of one year. Jain, the outgoing chairman, however, polled the largest number of individual votes, reported Mid Day (MD) of December 19, 2014.

(L-R): Khushroo Dhunjibhoy; Zavaray Poonawalla and Berjis Desai

"I have a big task ahead of fulfilling my manifesto and I am going to work hard for it,” Dhunjibhoy, the new chairman, told the tabloid. Shyam Ruia was elected chairman of the stewards’ body. Stud farm owner Zavaray Poonawalla is on the managing committee and solicitor Berjis Desai is a steward. The elections were held at the 99th annual general meeting of the RWITC.
While mentioning that a champagne celebration was in order for Dhunjibhoy and his team, in an accompanying item MD evoked delightful nostalgia: "On a lighter note, change is inevitable and necessary in many cases, but one is disappointed that Mahalaxmi racing staples like cold coffee (many years ago sold for Rs 10) and sliced cake, plus thinly sliced (how very Brit really) cucumber sandwiches and pastries, sold on the first and second decks and in the middle of the course, are no more. The chaat counter at the far end of the course does have some good spicy stuff, but punters who remember the good ol’ days are wondering where all the old favorites are.”