Horse sense in more ways than one!

“I have believed in being ruthlessly transparent and always argued on grounds of principle. This has upset some “powerful” men from time to time, but truth has invariably prevailed,” says Vivek Jain, Chairman Media and Marketing Committee, of the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC,) makes some thought-provoking points in a candid chat with Nwaz A.

Jain is passionate about horse racing. And if there is one thing he would like to change it is the mindset of the masses that horse racing is a gambling. He appreciates the power of the media and wants it educate and enlighten the people that horse racing is a fun-filled sport and not a means of gambling.

He has a point. There are official betting kiosks in cricket grounds in England, but then cricket is not perceived as a gambling. These betting kiosks are above board and functioning openly – not clandestinely.

My association with horse racing has helped me brush shoulder with the who’s who horse racing over the decades. Without sounding like an expert, I can say with a degree of conviction that Jain’s ability to attract lucrative sponsorships has been responsible in a plethora of joyous afternoons at the turf.

The Jains

Racing is a megabuck fraternity – an industry with huge involvement of breeders, owners, trainers, jockeys and punters. Brand-conscious corporates have been quick to be associated with a sport that has attracted the crème de la crème of the society. There cannot be a better place for high-powered brands to parade their products than this playground of the swish society.

I have, for long, been a silent admirer of Jain and his marketing genius, dedication to the sport and, not the least, for being one of the kindest human beings and a perfect gentleman. And it’s these qualities that have helped him score thumping victories year after year, so much so that it seems like a birthright! It’s a tradition since the time of his father and the victories are an acknowledgement of the popularity and confidence he enjoys among the members for his unflagging commitment to the sport.

Excerpts from an interview with Vivek Jain:

Education: “I did my schooling at the Cathedral and John Conon, Mumbai. I got my B.Com. from Sydenham College, University of Bombay. I hold two Masters’ degrees – an M.M.S. from Bajaj Institute, Mumbai and an M.B.A, from Babson College, USA.”

Corporate life: “I joined the family business in the mid 1980s. DCW is a publicly-listed company primarily in the business of Chemicals and Petrochemicals. I head the company’s PVC division.”

Inspiration: “My grandfather was a great inspiration in my formative years. A self-made man, he endeared himself to leaders and people from all walks of life. His finest qualities were his humility, approachability and hospitality to one and all. You don’t find people like him anymore.”

Guiding light: ”Yes, my father has provided me the foundation in my business life, and continues to be a support and advisor.”

Family: “My wife and kids are a great support and we are a close-knit family. My wife has stood by me in good and difficult times and is a good judge of people. She always inspires me to bring out my best. My kids are still young but are loving and respectful always.”

Passion: “I have been very involved with the turf club. It is a passion, and in life one must find a passion outside work. The objective would be to take it to greater heights and make the sport more acceptable to larger sections of society.”

RWITC elections: “I have contested several RWITC elections. I have done well and there is a sense of pride and satisfaction that my work is appreciated and recognized by the members.”

Disharmony: “I am not going to fight Poonawalla for the Chairman’s post as I am not desperate to become the club chairman.”

“It is unfortunate that committee members have to fall in line with the party diktat to ensure their positions and those who stand up to their conscience are seen as a threat or obstructive. It’s destroying the very fabric of this great club.”

Principles: “I have never been dissuaded from giving my 100%, even if people have worked against me. The RWITC is a public body, and there is bound to be politics. I have believed in being ruthlessly transparent and always argued on grounds of principle. This has upset some “powerful” men from time to time, but truth has invariably prevailed.”

Marketing mantra: “Horse-racing could get a huge boost in our country only if the government casts a more benevolent look at it and allows the telecast of races in its sport programs. That will help the sport attract more corporate sponsorship as the corporates can look forward to their brands getting nationwide visibility.”

Thoughts: “We would like to see the government allow foreign horses race on Indian Turf to make the sport more interesting.”

Dreams: “My dream for the racing fraternity is to make it more of a sport to be enjoyed by the family, by bringing in elements of leisure and recreation. The dream is to see a quantum change in the mindset the sport is perceived by the general public.”

I ended the interview by throwing a teaser at him: “What if you and Katrina Kaif were to bid for the same horse at an auction?”

Jain’s laughed before replying: “I will let her have the philly. In fact, I may ask her to be the brand ambassador for the RWITC. And pushing my luck further I may ask her for a one leg partnership (25%)! If wishes were horses…!!!” (laughs)