‘‘Never before in the history of the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) have any elections been contested more keenly or closely,’’ declares Vivek Jain, horse owner and former committee member. And with pre-election campaigning comprising lavish parties at Pune and Mumbai, carefully drawn up manifestoes and the first-ever split up of the candidates into two distinct camps, the statement doesn’t seem far-fetched. There have been no elections for the last three years, with the committee being elected unopposed earlier. There are 14 candidates - 8 old and six new - for the nine committee seats.Two clear camps have emerged — of industrialist Dr Cyrus Poonawalla, supported by Shivlal Daga, Vivek Jain, Kumar Dalal, Sunil Jhangiani and Champaklal Zaveri. Present RWITC chairman Khushroo Dhunjibhoy, backed by Vijayapat Singhania, Shyam Ruia, Behram Jeejibhoy and Vijay Shirke.The elections will be held on December 13 in Mumbai.
