K N Dhunjibhoy replaced Vivek Jain as the Chairman of the Royal Western India Turf Club on Tuesday. Vivek Jain had been the Chairman for the last three years. Though the same nine sitting members were re-elected in the elections held on Tuesday, Dhinjibhoy won the mandate of the committee with a 5-4 margin. Dhunjibhoy, in the past, had been a chairman of the club for a number of years .

Mr K N Dhinjibhoy who has been re-elected as Chairman of RWITC.

Like the previous year, there was only 60 per cent voting to elect the nine-member managing committee and two members for the Board of Appeal. Vivek Jain netted the highest number of votes for the ninth year in succession.

Former RWITC chairman Cyrus Poonawalla indeed turned out to be the kingmaker and was chiefly instrumental in bringing back Khushroo Dhunjibhoy as chairman. Shyam Ruia will continue as the Chairman of Stewards.

Since Ram Shroff didn’t offer himself for the steward post, three club members were required to be co-opted as stewards. Ghoolamhusein Vahanvaty, Gautam Lala and Tariq Vaidya will be serving as stewards alongside the six elected members.

Dhunjibhoy exuded confidence that he will be able to ensure progress of the club on all fronts. ''There is acrimony in the committee but I am sure I will be able to tide over this problem as time is a greater healer,’’ he said. ''I promise good governance,’’ he added.

Vivek Jain expressed his hurt that despite getting overwhelming mandate from the club members, he had to step down as Chairman. ''I will keep working with the club’s interest in mind though I am not sure the constraints which I may have to face.”

First timer Asif Lampwalla, who was backed to the hilt by Vivek Jain got elected to the Board of Appeal with a thumping majority. Lampwalla, lawyer by profession, polled 623 votes out of the 1038 valid votes while Byram Jeejeebhoy got 579 votes and gets another term to the body. Adi Narielwalla will continue to be the Chairman of Appeal Board.

Former turf club official Rusi Seth’s bid to fill the seat vacated by late Dady Adenwalla failed as he could garner just 465 votes. DS Oza polled 76 votes and was also defeated.

The following were elected to the committee with votes polled:
Vivek Jain (824 votes); Champaklal Zaveri (760); Jaydev Mody (678);
Shashi Chand Jain (605); Geoffrey Nagpal (587); Shyam Ruia (577);
KN Dhunjibhoy (567); Ram Shroff (564); Shivlal Daga (494);

Those who did not make it:
Maj. SK Lamba (310); DS Oza (93)