RWITC wears a new look for Pune horse racing

Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) is gearing up to host this year's horse racing with a spruced up track, spanking new VIP lounge, improved signages and electronic display boards.

The event will be held in Pune this week-end. The three-month-long season, which will witness 26 major races, will be a multi- crore affair, said RWITC president Cyrus Poonawalla at a press meet.

Poonawalla further said the club had been successful in clinching 62 per cent sponsorship. The upgradation project initiated by the club has grabbed attention of sponsors.

Last year, the club sponsorship worth Rs 32 lakh. This year the club hopes to attract better participation from horse owners and racing enthusiasts.

Chairman of RWITC's marketing committee Vivek Jain said the turnover of the club from the racing activity is Rs 130 crore. A third of which is collected from Pune.

"Because of the improved facilities, we expect there will be increased interest and enthusiasm in this season," Jain added.

This year's sponsors' list includes Pune's real estate majors Kumar Builders, Panchsheel Realty, Oxford Properties and Dubai-based realty group Pegasus Realty. Other sponsors include resorts company Panoramic Universal, wine maker Bluefolds and Piaggio Vehicles.

Poonawalla added a number of features, including multiple totes for collection, videoscopes and a new track with inner river sand, had been included to reduce breakdowns and to prevent the 'rain-out' which occurred during the last year's event. This year the club expects 20 per cent hike in turnover, Jain said.

Major races of the Pune season include SA Poonawalla Million, Nanoli Stud Pune Derby, Kumar Builders Turf Club Trophy and FD Wadia Trophy.