Rajeshri Aatkare
The Indian Derby to be renamed ‘Villoo Poonawalla Indian Derby’ in memory of his late wife; Poonawalla expresses sharp disappointment over the delay in naming the Pune Racecourse.
In a major announcement for the world of horse racing, industrialist Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla, Chairman of the Serum Institute of India, has stepped up to sponsor two prestigious racing events. However, this positive news comes amidst a scathing attack on the management and working style of the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC).
A New Chapter for Indian Derby
Dr. Poonawalla confirmed that his family will sponsor the Indian Derby, a race that had been struggling to find a title sponsor last year.
- Emotional Connect: Dr. Poonawalla revealed that the sponsorship is a tribute to his late wife, Villoo Poonawalla, who “loved horse racing much more than even me.”
- The New Title: The event will now be known as the ‘Villoo Poonawalla Indian Derby.’
- Pune Derby Support: Following this, he also took responsibility for the Pune Derby sponsorship. Since the previous sponsor was reportedly “put on hold” by the Turf Club, Poonawalla decided to step in to sponsor the event for the next five years, calling Pune his “home center.”
Allegations of ‘Lame Excuses’ and ‘Allergy’
Despite his significant contribution to the sport, Dr. Poonawalla did not hold back in criticising the Turf Club, particularly over the long-pending request to name the Pune Racecourse after his late wife.
Key Accusations Made by Dr. Poonawalla:
- Ignoring Readiness: He questioned why the Club did not mention in their prospectus that Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla is always ready to step up, especially when a blacklisted sponsor was involved.
- Obstruction on Naming: He expressed acute frustration over the delay in honouring the public demand to name the Pune Racecourse after Villoo Poonawalla.
- Dismissing Logic: Dr. Poonawalla dismissed the Club’s reason—that the sponsorship conclusion came after the prospectus was printed—as “lame excuses.”
- Direct Attack: In a fiery statement, he said, “This club is giving lame excuses… I think they got allergic with us.”
Direct Appeal to the Prime Minister
Dr. Poonawalla stated that due to the persistent lack of response and the delay in addressing their demands, he has now taken the matter to the highest office.
”I have started the movement with our Prime Minister,” he confirmed, mentioning his family’s significant contributions, including their work during the COVID pandemic.
The sponsorship secures the future of these two premier racing events, but the ongoing tussle between the Poonawalla family and the Turf Club management has now escalated to a national level.
