Royal Western India Turf Club lease renewed for 30 years

Mahalaxmi racecourse in Mumbai. Pic/Shadab Khan

Members of the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) can finally breathe a sigh of relief as the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, in an agreement signed with the race club on Tuesday evening, renewed the race club's lease for a period of 30 years, on the instructions of the state government who have proposed to develop a theme park in the 120 acres of the 221-acre prime property.

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With the Damocles sword hanging over the future of horse racing at the Mahalaxmi racecourse thus out of the way, Surendra R Sanas, chairman of the club, shared the long-awaited news in a letter sent to all race club members on Wednesday.

The renewed lease which retrospectively began on June 1, 2023 will expire on May 31, 2053. "[The racing] Licence and other matters are being pursued with the authorities, and we shall keep you updated on the same," the letter concluded.