The year 2008 is going to be a massive turn around in the RCTC. There were a lot of skeptics including me who didn`t believe that such massive overhaul was possible, when I was taken on a whirlwind tour of the development at the RCTC controlled properties. A one-to-one chat with the club`s new CEO, a work-machine called Gen. (Rtrd) J. Mukherjee and also with the new chairman Cyrus Madan, changed it all.

Last year, when Cyrus Madan wore the RCTC chairman`s hat it was an uneasy crown on his head. However, his frail frame was quick to get organised to meet the immediate challenges faced by the debt-ridden club. He had to start not only with a big deficit on all fronts but also had to face an enormous pressure from numerous creditors, not to mention about the failed promises. Of course, his personal rapport with the heads of the Western and the Southern heavyweights helped to some extent. More importantly, Cyrus` sharp mind, combined with Gen Mukherjee`s untiring efforts, paid off quicker than expected. "I owe nobody a penny now," declared the General proudly. Every penny is going to be accounted for as we keep on investing our money
instead of saving it in the bank,` he thundered.

The sales` proceeds from the disputed D.L.Khan Road property was meager but the advance payments from the jointly developed Russell Street land got the club enough money to repay it`s long standing debts. "We are at par with some of the leading turf clubs as far as the stake money and the finances are concerned," confided Cyrus. "There is much left to be done. It`s just the beginning," he continued.

General Mukherjee, however, broke a bigger news. We plan to take our present stable-strength to a new high – 800 horses. Presently, the combined strength of Hastings and the racecourse stables is 400. When asked, where the horses were going to come from, prompt came the reply that it would be a gradual process. Fifty of the newly constructed stables will be ready by the end of this month (January) and as many horses are already on their way from Mumbai and Bangalore. Another 150 stable may be occupied at the end of monsoon season. That will take our total to 600 stables. "We are keeping about 150 stables ready. I`m not divulging anything more," said the General with a smile.

Cyrus, however, let the cat out of the bag. "Arti Doctor is almost sure to migrate from Mumbai to Calcutta. Imtiaz Sait is in the process of sending a bigger string than the presently stationed in the city," Cyrus said. Before he was reminded that these two trainers already have a string of about 20 horses stabled in RCTC, Cyrus added: "Narendra Lagad has recommended his deputy`s name for a training license here (RCTC) and so has Magansingh Jodha. You may add 50-plus in their account and add another 20 horses to the figure trainer Shafiq Khan would be bringing during the monsoon season. Shafiq may also make RCTC as his headquarter in the winter season. There are many more to follow but we would like to go easy;" said Cyrus before signing off.

For the first time in the RCTC history there will be 400 horses in training during the monsoon season. As a result of this the season will see 17 fixtures instead of 14. The number of meetings for the winter season have also been increased from 31 to 36. The number of fixtures will go up further in the next winter. More importantly, the Stake Money during the monsoon season will be enhanced substantially and it will be doubled during the next winter season 2009-10.

It looks like RCTC is in the process of turning the corner. The club can well hope to bring back the old glory. The reins of the club for now seem to be in safe hands.