TURF TRACKER'S LATEST HORSE RACING UPDATES

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 unfold at the iconic Mahalaxmi Race Course or be relocated to the Pune Race Course. Stakeholders and fans await further announcements with bated breath.

 

Controversy at Bangalore Turf Club

Meanwhile, turmoil continues to brew at the Bangalore Turf Club (BTC). In a recent incident, renowned horse owner Ms. Tarshia Dutta was inexplicably barred from entering the BTC premises. Dutta, who also leads TCG Studios – a key player in covering horse racing events across India – faced what can only be described as blatant and unfounded excuses for her exclusion.

 

Alarmingly, this incident has implicated high-ranking BTC officials, including the official stipendiary steward and the race caller, in activities that cast a shadow over the club's esteemed reputation. The series of unfortunate events underscores ongoing issues within the club, tarnishing the image of this prestigious institution.

 

High Court Verdict Holds the Key

The horse racing community now pins its hopes on the forthcoming verdict from the honourable High Court of Karnataka, expected on 6th June 2024. The decision is anticipated to be pivotal, with the potential to restore horse racing activities at the Bangalore Turf Club. As the date approaches, everyone invested in this "Sport of Kings" is keeping their fingers crossed, hoping for a positive outcome that will benefit the sport and all its stakeholders.

Looking Ahead

As we approach these critical junctures in Indian horse racing, the resilience and passion of the community remain steadfast. The commencement of the Pune Racing Season heralds a period of excitement, while the awaited verdict in Karnataka and the future of the Mahalaxmi Race Course hold the promise of pivotal changes. Here's to hoping that the spirit of the sport continues to thrive, overcoming challenges and reaching new heights.

BANGALORE SUMMER RACING EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN MID JUNE 2024

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, the eagerly anticipated Bangalore Summer Racing season of 2024 is only ‘expected’ to begin around mid-June 2024—assuming these misguided individuals inside BTC manage not to further derail the process.

BANGALORE TURF CLUB: CHANCES OF RACING NOT EARLY THAN JUNE 2024

 

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 summer racing season scheduled to begin on May 18, 2024. Trainers from across the country bring their horses to compete and showcase the potential of three-year-olds during this crucial period. The cancellation has not only disrupted these plans but also jeopardized the future of many promising horses.

The economic fallout has been severe. About 600 tote operators, responsible for running the totalizators at BTC, have been left jobless for the past 49 days, facing dire financial straits. Horse owners, trainers, jockeys, and numerous other stakeholders in the racing community are suffering due to the BTC leadership's mishandling of the situation. The livelihoods of these individuals have been severely impacted, with income streams drying up as a result of the ongoing deadlock.

 

Government Standoff and Legal Battle

Adding to the complexity is the Chief Minister, known for his intransigence, who has previously disrupted racing activities. Despite being aware of the brewing stalemate, BTC authorities failed to take timely action to resolve the conflict, allowing the deadlock to persist.

In a delayed response, BTC has now decided to approach the High Court, seeking a resolution. However, even if the court rules in their favor, the resumption of racing activities could take another three to four weeks. This legal step, which could have been initiated immediately after the closure on April 1, 2024, might have already provided clarity and possibly a resolution by now.

 

A Call for Swift Action

The mismanagement at BTC has not only tarnished its prestigious reputation but has also caused significant economic hardship for those involved in the sport. The need for decisive and informed leadership has never been more critical. The authorities must act swiftly to restore operations and mend relationships with the government to bring back the excitement and vibrancy of horse racing to Bangalore Turf Club.

 

In conclusion, the ongoing crisis at Bangalore Turf Club highlights the dire consequences of poor leadership and political infighting. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of knowledgeable and responsible management in maintaining the integrity and success of esteemed institutions.

BANGALORE TURF CLUB FACES A NIGHTMARE !!!

 

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. The Bangalore Turf Club provides livelihoods for approximately 5,000 individuals. If the club fails in its endeavors, the consequences could be dire. As a responsible public representative, the Chief Minister must recognize the significant impact on these lives and act swiftly to resolve the issue.

 

The Turf Club's late decision to approach the High Court might prove futile if immediate action is not taken. The impending dark future of the Bangalore Summer 2024 racing season necessitates urgent and decisive measures. It is imperative that both the Turf Club and the government collaborate effectively to ensure the continuity of this vital sporting and economic activity.

OOTY RACES 2024 - FORM GOES AWRY – UNCHECKED INCONSISTENCIES

 

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 couple of weeks before that, she managed only a fifth-place finish, trailing just 4 lengths behind the winner. The inconsistency displayed by WONDERFUL ERA raises serious doubts about the reliability of form as a predictive factor.

 

In the 5th race, THE ASTORNOMIC PLATE Div 1 (1200 Meters), another horse, RELIC WARRIOR, a 5-year-old bay gelding one more from N. Rupa's stables, exhibited a performance completely at odds with its previous form. Three weeks ago, in R. No. 18 of this season, RELIC WARRIOR secured an impressive second-place finish, trailing by just 3/4 lengths behind Supreme Grandeur (1200m), who went on to win again. However, on 5th April 2024, RELIC WARRIOR surprisingly lagged behind, ending a distant 7 1/4 lengths behind the winner, Turf Melody, despite being a firm favorite at odds of 6/4. It's worth noting that Turf Melody had previously finished 4 1/2 lengths behind RELIC WARRIOR when Supreme Grandeur won. This time, despite being just one kilo worse off with Turf Melody, RELIC WARRIOR finished a whopping 7 1/4 lengths behind, indicating a drop of about 12 lengths. Could this discrepancy be attributed to RELIC WARRIOR's short odds of 6/4?

 

These glaring inconsistencies demand a thorough investigation by the authorities. Patrons of horse racing expect races to be conducted fairly and transparently. However, what unfolded on the first Sunday of May 2024 in Ooty races raises serious concerns for all involved.

BANGALORE SUMMER 2024 - WAITING FOR A MIRACLE TO START

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 typically participate in the prestigious events held during the summer season.

 

Gone are the days when turf clubs in India were overseen by seasoned administrators adept at averting such crises. Legends like Major Z.K. Wadia, C.V. Narsimhan, Nawab Arshad Ali Khan, Soli Captain, and Nari Reddy ensured the smooth operation of horse racing for years, their leadership setting a standard that seems increasingly distant today.

Many Indian race and turf clubs now suffer from a lack of effective administration, a far cry from the era of those distinguished leaders. A complete overhaul at the administrative level is imperative, with a focus on appointing experienced individuals who understand the nuances of the sport, particularly at BTC.

This year’s summer in Bangalore is breaking records and the rains have too stayed away which has slowed down the preparation of the race track. It looks apparent from hereon that even if the BTC succeeds in getting licence in a week or two the racing action might not just start at its normal time 

However, resolving the current impasse is paramount for the well-being of all stakeholders involved. Swift action is needed to restore stability and ensure the continuation of this cherished tradition.