Pune Turf Club: For as long as anyone can remember, the Royal Western India Turf Club in Pune has been more than just a racetrack—it’s been the beating heart of Indian horse racing, where legends are made, and fortunes are won (and lost). But like all grand dames of a certain age, the Turf Club was starting to show its years. Enter Yohan and Michelle Poonawalla, the dynamic duo of philanthropy and style, who decided that this historic landmark needed more than just a facelift; it needed a full-blown Cinderella moment. TheGlitz reports…
Pune Turf Club Renaissance
Thanks to the Poonawalla Foundation’s generous financial support, the Pune Turf Club has undergone a transformation so stunning that it would make even the most seasoned racehorse stop in its tracks. This isn’t just a renovation- it’s a revival, a return to glory, with a contemporary twist that’s sure to leave jaws on the floor.
Michelle Poonawalla, the creative genius and entrepreneur with an eye for all things fabulous, spearheaded the makeover. Imagine blending the old-world charm of a vintage Bentley with the sleek lines of a modern supercar, and you’ll get a sense of the magic she’s worked here. Over two years of meticulous planning and design wizardry, from 2022 to 2024, the Turf Club has been transformed into a palace fit for racing royalty—and trust us, the royals are already queuing up.
The club’s infrastructure got the full red-carpet treatment: 24 guest rooms now boast all the mod cons you could dream of, with plush interiors that would make a five-star hotel blush. Reception lobbies, public spaces, and offices have been given the kind of glow-up that’s usually reserved for Hollywood stars before an awards show. And the four charming cottages? Let’s just say they’ve been turned into luxury retreats where you might just forget there’s a world outside.
Michelle’s design team at MYP Design Studio worked wonders, breathing new life into every corner of the club. The grand ballroom, once a little past its prime, now gleams with restored wooden ceilings and chandeliers that sparkle like a diamond-studded race day hat. The verandahs, once merely shadows of their former selves, are now the epitome of elegance—perfect for sipping champagne while you watch the world go by. And let’s not forget the newly revamped card room, bar, lounge, and dining area—ideal for members to unwind after a day at the races, or perhaps a particularly heated debate over the best horse in the next race.
Even the club’s exterior got the star treatment, with sprawling lawns and gardens landscaped to perfection. Whether you’re here to relax or strategize your next big bet, the surroundings are sure to impress.
Fond Memories
“The Pune Turf Club is in our DNA,” Michelle Poonawalla says with a smile. “I have fond memories of coming here as a child, and Yohan has always been passionate about his grandfather’s legacy. We wanted to create a space that honors the club’s rich history while ensuring it’s ready to be enjoyed by generations to come. It’s not just about preserving the past; it’s about blending it with the future—and we’ve kept those old doors and key furniture pieces as a nod to that legacy. This renovation is more than bricks and mortar; it’s a love letter to horse racing and to our family’s enduring passion for the sport.”
The Poonawalla Stud Farms, which started as the Poona Stud Farm in 1946, has been producing race champions for decades, cementing the family’s place in India’s racing history. Yohan’s commitment to the sport, much like his legendary horses, knows no bounds.
“The Pune Turf Club has always been at the heart of Pune’s social and sporting life,” says Mr. Suren Sanas, Chairman of the Royal Western India Turf Club. “Yohan and Michelle’s generosity and impeccable timing have been nothing short of a godsend. Their support has fortified our financial standing just when we needed it most. We’re confident that this new chapter will usher in even greater success for horse racing in India.”
As the sun sets over the newly revamped Pune Turf Club, it’s clear that this isn’t just a renovation – it’s a renaissance. The Poonawallas have taken a beloved institution and given it a whole new lease on life, ensuring that the spirit of horse racing will gallop on for generations to come.
