If you have visited Bangalore racecourse during the season, chances are you bumped into a man called "Lali" either sitting in his regular chair just outside the commentators' box cheering for his horse, or talking animatedly to a group of racegoers under the banyan tree of the Saddle Up cafe in the evening, or sipping his drink in the racecourse bar after the races. His real name is Ashok Rajani.

Ashok has been a passionate racelover for almost half a century--48 years to be precise. He is also a small horse owner--or rather "was" one until last week, when he cleared his dues to the BTC (Bangalore Turf Club) and relinquished part-ownership in his last horse, Set To Win (Multidimensional - Set Aside). Interestingly, Set To Win is winner of four races from 18 starts (over Rs 2 million in stakes), but Ashok Rajani gave away his share in the horse for absolutely free. What's even more strange is that he was genuinely grateful someone picked up his share.