I’ll help from the sidelines: Mallya

Lost race | Says he is happy that the members of the club reposed faith by electing him.

It was all over his face, but hidden, as a smiling Vijay Mallya walked out of Gallops Restaurant at the Mahalaxmi Race Course at the completion of the meeting to elect the new managing committee of the Royal Western Indian Turf Club.

Showing no signs of disappointment, Mallya said: “I am happy that despite being away for six years, the members have trusted me.” He assured all cooperation to Dr Cyrus Poonawalla whose panel retained the control of the club for another year.

“There is nothing lost. Racing is a sport and we have taken it in our stride,” he said as he along with his second in command, Khushroo N Dhunjibhoy, walked in to the club’s committee hall for a meeting. “It is not necessary that one has to be a leader, one can play his role from the sidelines as well.” said Mallya. “We will do our best for the betterment of racing in Mumbai and everywhere,” he said.

Mallya hoped that his defeat will not scuttle his plans to introduce night racing at the Mahalaxmi Race Course. “It was me and Cyrus (Poonawalla) who had a dummy of racing under the lights and I’m sure he will support me in this endeavour.” He cited the example of Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Dubai where night racing had revitalised the racing scene by bringing in corporate and big money.

Meanwhile Poonawalla said he would look into the night-racing proposal. “The committee will sit and deliberate on the proposal.”