Mahalaxmi races to kick-start under strict surveillance

·         RWITC initiates Whistle Blower policy

·         Latest surveillance system in enclosures, stables areas etc.,

·         Flap barriers door frame & hand held metal detectors at entrances

·         New techniques to enhance vigilance on misuse of mobile phones during races

·         Tainted jockeys will not be allowed to ride

·         To raise governance and ethical practices to a new height 

MUMBAI, November 14, 2013: Seeking to raise the standard of racing, the Royal Western India Turf Club Ltd (RWITC) today announced the introduction of a series of initiatives, including a Whistle Blower policy, aimed at promoting a strong culture of governance and ethics in the business of the historic club.  

The Whistleblower Policy is a critical step towards bridging the gap among all stakeholders and to provide an ‘Early Warning System’ to promote a strong culture of governance and ethics in the club, said Mr. Khushroo N Dhunjibhoy, Chairman, Royal Western India Turf Club.  

“For RWITC, one of our most vital assets is our reputation for ethical behaviour and fair business. Since its inception, the Club has been known to work with integrity and conscientiousness. As we start the racing season from this Sunday, the initiatives are aimed at building a framework for reporting instances of unethical conduct and auctioning suitable steps to investigate and correct fraud and misconduct. We will take all possible measures to protect the reputation of the Club and promote a culture of honesty and fair play,” Mr Dhunjibhoy explained.  

He said RWITC has also decided not to entertain any tainted jockeys. “We will not allow them to ride here and in Pune,” he declared.  

RWITC will also install complaint boxes at the Mahalaxmi Race Course where race goers can drop their grievances, if any, during the races.  

Taking cognisance of an ongoing inquiry into an incident related to the alleged fixing of a race in February 2010, the CLUB STANDS BY its commitment to conducting business with integrity and professionalism. To fortify the whistle blowing initiative, RWITC has entered into an association with Ethics Centre, an independent entity focused on ethics and governance, the purpose of which is to provide members with an alternative communication channel outside the company structure for reporting concerns.

Ethics Centre is an avenue to bring genuine and serious issues with respect to unethical and/or improper practices to the fore in most transparent, confidential and anonymous manner. The Club will also take all necessary measures to protect every whistleblower making disclosures in good faith against an adverse personal action, victimization, retaliation or discrimination. Incidents can be reportedonwww.ethicscentre.co.in, on the toll free hotline 1800 220 256 or through Emailoncontact@ethicscentre.co.in.  

In its endeavour to further tighten security and vigilance at the stable areas at the Mumbai and Pune Race Courses, RWITC is in the process of installing surveillance cameras in the stable areas. The feed from the cameras will be relayed to a control room, which will be monitored on a 24x7 basis by supervisors and operators.  

A Field Response Team (FST) comprising of Nodal Security Officer and security personnel will be patrolling the stable area to keep a strict vigil and they will be in constant touch with the control room and designated officials of the Club. RFID based tags for visitors, CCTV cameras are also being installed at the entrances and enclosures at strategic locations. Flap barriers are being installed at entrances and the ticketing system is being converted into a token based one linked to flag barriers. Apart from this, door and hand held metal detectors are being installed at entrances. Wrist bands are being issued to authorized mobile phone users during races. A vigilance team, aided by advance technology, will be deployed to check unauthorized use of mobile phones these measures are being taken in the interest of owners, trainers, racing patrons and security of horses, Mr Dhunjibhoy explained.  

The committee has also decided to introduce electronic voting for committee and board of appeal at the forthcoming Annual General Body Meeting to be held next month. The Club is also in the process of revamping racing rules, and amendments will be placed before the General Body of members next month.  

Since its inception, the Club has been very popular amongst all stratum of the society and thus it has grown inorganically to cater to various needs of the stakeholders.