TURF TRACKER

Pune Racing Season 2024 Set to Begin on 19th July Excitement is in the air as the Pune Racing Season 2024 is expected to commence on 19th July. This year 20 race meetings may be held, extending through to the end of October. Enthusiasts and professionals alike are eagerly anticipating the return of this vibrant season, promising intense competition and exhilarating finishes.   Uncertain Future for Mahalaxmi Race Course In a significant development, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is on the verge of taking over a substantial portion of the Mahalaxmi Race Course land. With the demarcation of the land nearing completion, it has been decided that the Race Track, along with part of the stabling area and the public viewing stands, will remain under the possession of the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC).   However, this transition brings an element of uncertainty regarding the upcoming Mumbai Racing Season 2024-2025. It remains unclear whether the season will un

The Bangalore Summer Racing season is tentatively set to commence in mid-June 2024.   After a prolonged period of inactivity, the inept officials at the Bangalore Turf Club have finally stirred from their inertia, dragging their feet to the High Court in a belated effort to secure the necessary license to hold races at the Bangalore Race Course.   Once a premier racing destination, steered by legends of the sport, the club has now fallen into the clutches of opportunistic power mongers. These individuals, through unscrupulous means, have wormed their way into key positions within this esteemed institution.   The current leadership of the Bangalore Turf Club lacks the credentials, integrity, or legitimate purpose to be involved in the club's affairs. Unfortunately, due to a combination of fate and incompetence, these miscreants have tarnished the club's reputation, plunging its future into uncertainty and disarray.   As a result of these unwelcome influences, th

  BANGALORE TURF CLUB: A PREMIER RACING VENUE IN CRISIS The Bangalore Turf Club (BTC), once a beacon of excellence in horse racing, is now embroiled in turmoil due to the incompetence and political maneuvering of its current leadership. Nestled in the garden city of Bangalore, this premier destination for horse racing in India has seen its reputation and operations crumble under the weight of mismanagement.   Leadership Crisis and Political Infighting The present authorities at BTC, who seem more interested in political games than the sport itself, have displayed a shocking lack of knowledge and responsibility. Their reckless decisions have led to a disastrous confrontation with the state government. Allegations of noncompliance with various regulations have only intensified the situation, resulting in the suspension of all racing activities since April 1, 2024.   Halted Activities and Economic Impact This crisis has had a ripple effect, derailing the highly anticipated s

  BANGALORE TURF CLUB AWAKENING: IS IT TOO LATE? Despite persistent discrepancies, irregularities, and missteps, the authorities at the Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) are entangled in their own web of deficiencies. The eagerly anticipated start of the Bangalore Summer 2024 racing season, scheduled for May 18, 2024, could not commence. Representatives from the horse racing community, excluding the Chairman and the managing committee, recently met with the Chief Minister. However, the government's response was unfavorable, reflecting a lackluster approach from the authorities.   Now, in a seemingly last-ditch effort, the leaders of the Turf Club have decided to approach the High Court. This move raises a crucial question: is it too late? Why did they not seek judicial intervention at the beginning of May 2024 when the situation was already at a standstill?   The future of the summer season hangs in the balance, heavily dependent on the Chief Minister's response this week. Th

  FORM GOES AWRY – UNCHECKED INCONSISTENCIES IN OOTY RACES 2024   It's deeply frustrating when horses seem to defy all logic, leaving followers of form and patrons—the lifeblood of horse racing—confounded.   At the races held in Ooty on Sunday, 5th May 2024, several inexplicable performances left spectators bewildered.   In the first race, 'WILBUR', who finished a distant 13 1/4 lengths behind the winner barely a week ago, suddenly surged to victory at lucrative odds, despite lacking any recent form to justify such a dramatic improvement. The question remains: how can a horse exhibit such a remarkable transformation within a mere week?   Moving on to the second race, THE STORM CAT HANDICAP (20-45) over 1400 meters, a bay mare named WONDERFUL ERA, hailing from the stables of N. Rupa, finished second by a mere half-length behind the winner. This same mare had finished a staggering 22 3/4 lengths behind the leader just a week prior on 27th April 2024, and a cou

The Bangalore Turf Club finds itself in a precarious position as it lacks the necessary license to conduct off-course betting operations on its premises, a situation that has persisted for nearly a month now.   Traditionally, the summer season of racing kicks off in the second or third week of May, but the uncertainty surrounding the club's licensing status casts a shadow over the fate of this esteemed institution.   The current administration, largely detached from the world of horse racing, appears ill-equipped to navigate the challenges at hand. The state government of Karnataka has cited multiple reasons for denying the business license to BTC, exacerbating the club's predicament.   The outbreak of glanders, a dreaded equine disease, in the northern parts of Bangalore has further complicated matters. A government circular prohibiting the movement of horses into and out of the state has dealt a severe blow to BTC, particularly as approximately 100 horses typicall