Par for the racecourse

The Mahalaxmi Racecourse has a lot to offer apart from the thrills of the sport itself. Sunday MiD DAY checks it out with racing family Adar and Natasha Poonawala

The Mahalaxmi Racecourse has a lot to offer apart from the thrills of the sport itself. Sunday MiD DAY checks it out with racing family Adar and Natasha Poonawala

WHAT strikes you first about the Mahalaxmi Racecourse is its sheer expanse. A vast space of green and serenity right in the middle of chaotic Mumbai. The sound of hooves, smell of grass and gorgeous eye candy make a Sunday well spent at the racecourse. We decided to spend the day with people who knew the racecourse like home. Who else better than Adar Poonawala, belonging to one of the oldest racing families in the country, and his wife Natasha?

We meet Adar and Natasha for breakfast at the restaurant, Gallops. A lovely spread of eggs, toast and beverages greet us at an outdoor setting. As we dig in, we can't help but gasp at the beautiful view. The racecourse stretches as far as we can see, with tall buildings emerging from its periphery to reach out to the blue sky. We are seated with a rustic looking outhouse behind us and some great conversation at the table.

Adar says, "There are restaurants here, like Olive and Gallops where you can come with your family. You can either take part in the race which means you can bet or just watch the race."

His wife, Natasha, who is five months pregnant, says, "It's a lovely Sunday outing for children as well. Most kids love horses." Keeping this in mind, Mahalaxmi Racecourse organises a children's carnival. They also organise group visits to the stables and the horses' gym where the animals run on the treadmill and swim in the pool. If you come early morning you might also witness horses practicing with their trainers.

Having finished breakfast we drive to the stables at the racecourse. The racecourse has a total of 1,400 horses. Trainer Altaf brings out Secret Fire, a gorgeous horse with a black shiny coat and flowing mane. A little moody this one was as he was brought in from Pune earlier in the day. Nothing a little carrot could not cure, though. He calmed down and even went for a walk with Adar and Natasha leading him.

Adar says, "Owning a horse is the most thrilling experience. It's like you are running the race. You can join a syndicate where up to 10 people can own a horse. You can invest Rs 50 thousand-1 lakh. It's a test way of knowing what to expect."
The best time to visit the racecourse is of course on race days. A perfect meeting of glamour and sport. You don't have to be an enthusiast, but just someone who is out to have a good time.

Says Natasha, "I don't bet, but I enjoy spending time with the racing fraternity and having brunch with them. Art is also being promoted with artists showing their work on major race days." Adar chips in, that sponsors also organise fashion shows, which, he believes adds to the attraction. "We are trying to get in the crowds and improve the atmosphere. Earlier, few families owned horses because of the gambling aspect. But now the mindset has changed."

The perfect end to a great day was what the couple had to say about this graceful animal, "You cannot always win; losing is part of the game. It's an animal and they are going to be temperamental. The thrill is knowing that it go either way."

(Facing page top and bottom) Adar and Natasha with a Poonawala horse; (this page, top) the two relish breakfast served at Gallops restaurant; (right) enjoying the view from Gallops; (far right) making a happy couple at the racecourse

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