Mahalaxmi Race Course in Mumbai turns 130-years-old

It is difficult to convey a legacy of 100-odd years in few words. But when it comes to Mahalaxmi Race Course in Mumbai, the horses — which have been galloping in the turf for generations— makes it easy. The heritage structure turns 130 on Sunday.

The place was built in 1883 on the marshy land known as Mahalaxmi Flats, donated by the Philanthropist and Industrialist Sir Cusrow N Wadia. The race track (2,400m) is oval-shaped, spread over 225 acres.

Races had started in Mumbai in 1870. From 1887, it moved to Mahalaxmi.

Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) chairman Vivek Jain, who is associated with the place for years, recalled his first visit to the turf. "I was just 12 when I first came to this place and since then it has been a world of change," he said.

"It is difficult to express in words, but it is the inner feeling that gives great joy," added Jain.

Vijay Shirke, one of the prominent race-horse owners, said: "I entered the Race Course when I was 20, it was a festive ambiance and one could hardly witness the entire race because of the fans who gathered in thousands.There were no boxes nor television. One had to be well built and stand tall to witness the races."

Shirke also said that attendance in the Race Course has reduced after the emergence of television.