Mumbai: 

Burnt: A fire broke out at the Mahalaxmi racecourse on Thursday. Pic/Bipin Kokate

I do not know how the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) is going to replace the top deck of the members' stand that has been gutted in the fire on Thursday.

The stand is stunning, like most buildings in Mumbai built in the British Raj; it has more character than these modern chrome and glass-plated monstrosities.

The stands had neat, white wooden benches with a little projection in front to keep one's race book, binoculars, teacups, pens, and cucumber sandwiches. All these are the stylish accessories of the hardened racing follower. 

Though the lower decks have survived, rebuilding the top deck in the same, uniform fashion might prove impossible. Maybe, it will give way to an air-conditioned lounge or modern seating.

One can only hope for the sake of the punters, the club's finances and the general overall peace, that the RWITC committee is not embroiled in yet another round of factionalism and in-fighting over the rebuilding of this stand.

As it is, the last Mumbai season ended on a bitter note with the Gallops controversy still simmering about the awarding of the contract to BJR group. If there are tenders asked for and contracts to be floated for the rebuilding of this deck, one needs complete transparency and fairness. The already beleaguered sport, struggling to get its attendances up because the city is simply booming with other weekend entertainment, does not need another conflict or controversy.   

After all, a structure of this beauty and grandeur merits a rebirth that smacks of class and dignity.