Horsepower

Godbole,whose courage and alacrity has her brush off the physical complaints to go and watch the races,has been fond of the animal since childhood. “I had a horse named Raja at the age of seven along with my sister. My father was in the cavalry and with a stable of 5 horses he encouraged all of us including my mother towards riding. My love for animals and horses in particular began from there,” she says who was also perhaps the first Indian woman to become a pilot obtaining the private flying liscence in the late thirties from the Karachi Flying Club.

Starting with Mumbai in 1938,Godbole has been present at the races in the city since 1948 and the memories sum up not just her tryst with the horses but also the stories of jackpots and stakes. “I remember once how a horse winked at me,I bet on him and surprisingly won! I seldom do so without checking the record book and understanding the performance of each horse. However at times I have also bet on all the horses of the derby for Rs 10 which has assured me a win anyway! But the sheer pleasure lies in watching them race and their passion which for me is extremely interesting and directs me to the Turf club each year,” adds Godbole who also feels that the youngsters should enjoy the races rather than simply betting.

Having recovered from a serious illness a couple of years back,her frail frame does not reveal the enthusiasm she conceals for the races that are her lifeline. And the people at the club are a family,many knowing her since decades and others offering all assistance for the oldest spectator there. “I had in 2004 won a jackpot of 91,000 Rs my highest amount so far and years back I remember keeping my husband waiting before joining him for the NDA party while I was to collect my jackpot money. I may not recollect what I did a few minutes ago but the race memories just refuse to dwindle,” she smiles.