TURBULENCE BETWEEN BTC AND STATE GOVERNMENT: MYS RACE CLUB GETS ‘SANDWICHED’

TURBULENCE BETWEEN BTC AND KARNATAKA GOVERNMENT: MYSORE RACE CLUB GETS ‘SANDWICHED’

During the last elections at the Mysore Race Club (MRC), Mr. K.M. Chandregowda, a former KAS officer, was elected Chairman. His election was significant because of the strong rapport he enjoys with the current Chief Minister of Karnataka.

 

However, despite high expectations, Chairman K.M.Chandregowda has found himself entangled in a struggle between the Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) and the Karnataka government, leaving him in a precarious position. The anticipated support and progress for the Mysore Race Club have not materialized, placing the club in a difficult situation hampering its racing activities.

 

Indian horse racing is in dire need of visionary, long-term strategies to navigate the numerous challenges it faces. The Mysore Race Club, initially (election of Mr.K.M.Chandregowda) was seen as a strategic move, has found itself stranded, with four race days of the summer meeting 2024 already lost and more potentially at risk. Despite the club’s rich history of clean and orderly operations, it is caught in a "War of Egoism" between the tug of war between BTC and the state

 

The stakeholder’s are the worst sufferers as their horses have been idle for about four months now leading to a drastic struggle of survival. Political effects on a sport has always been detrimental such situations bring frustrating stoppages

BANGALORE TURF CLUB: STRUGGLING FOR SURVIVAL IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY

 

BANGALORE TURF CLUB: STRUGGLING FOR SURVIVAL IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY

The Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) is grappling with a dire struggle for survival under the current administration led by the Chief Minister of Karnataka. The club faces a bleak future, largely due to what many see as an illogical and obstructive government stance.

 

The denial of a racing licence by the state government has cast a shadow over BTC's future, leaving the club in a state of uncertainty. The present managing committee and chairman appear unable to steer the club out of these turbulent times.

 

In court, BTC's legal team, arguing their writ petition, failed to present strong, valid points, leading to little progress toward reinstating the licence. This legal setback further exacerbates the club's already precarious situation.

 

The ramifications extend beyond administrative hurdles. Over 600 thoroughbred horses at BTC face an uncertain future. The cost of maintaining each horse is Rs. 1500 per day, totaling Rs. 9 lakhs daily and a staggering Rs. 270 lakhs monthly. These pure athletes, bred and trained for racing, have been inactive for over three months, making them prone to severe health issues.

 

Thoroughbreds, naturally active and constantly on the move, suffer greatly from prolonged confinement. Without regular racing, they are susceptible to colic and laminitis. Colic, often resulting from lack of exercise and prolonged indoor confinement, poses a significant health risk. Laminitis, caused by obesity due to insufficient exercise, is a serious condition that damages the hooves. Regular exercise is crucial for strengthening their bones, ligaments, muscles, and tendons, preventing injuries that are otherwise inevitable.

 

The broader impact on the horse racing industry is catastrophic. Stakeholders invest heavily in thoroughbred racehorses, purchasing them at auction sales for lakhs of rupees. Participation in richly endowed races also incurs significant costs. The stud farms, where yearlings are born and nurtured, face massive financial losses, potentially running into crores, if racing activity remains halted.

 

The survival of the entire horse racing industry hangs in the balance. Over twenty thousand individuals, many of whom have been part of this sport for generations, face an uncertain and stark future. The urgency for intervention and restoration of the racing licence cannot be overstated. Without swift resolution, the historic institution of BTC and its many stakeholders may face irreversible damage.

ADAMANT CHIEF MINISTER BRINGS HORSE RACING TO THE BRINK OF DISASTER

 

ADAMANT CHIEF MINISTER BRINGS HORSE RACING TO THE BRINK OF DISASTER

The future of 20,000 individuals tied to the Bangalore Turf Club hangs in the balance as the government of Karnataka considers withholding the club's licence to conduct horse racing at the iconic Bangalore Race Course. This decision threatens to plunge the entire community into turmoil.

 

At the heart of this crisis are 640 horses, each a valuable asset, and the livelihoods of 2000 stable staff, 1000 club employees, 30 trainers, and 60 jockeys and thousands in their families. These people, whose lives and futures are entwined with the tradition of horse racing, face an uncertain and dire situation. For generations, they have depended on this industry, and the abrupt halt of activities would leave them scrambling for alternative means of survival.

 

The Chief Minister of Karnataka must recognize the profound impact of this decision. If he can justify pausing the operations of this premier Indian horse racing destination, he should equally be able to intervene by dissolving the club’s current managing committee, if deemed incompetent, and establishing a new one to restore order and continuity.

 

Horse racing in India is a tradition steeped in centuries of history. It is more than a sport; it is a livelihood for many. Allegations and governmental actions should not bring this heritage and its supporting economy to a standstill. Racehorse owners have invested significant sums, with each thoroughbred costing lakhs of rupees and requiring approximately Rs. 50,000 per month for maintenance. These horses, in turn, earn prize money, making this a crucial investment for their owners. Halting racing puts crores of rupees at risk, endangering not just the horses but the financial stability of countless individuals.

 

The horse racing industry faces unprecedented challenges as the Chief Minister's recent policies threaten its very existence in Bangalore. The measures, characterized by stringent regulations and financial cutbacks, have sparked outrage among stakeholders and racing enthusiasts.

 

Horse racing, a historic and culturally significant sport, now stands at a crossroads. Industry leaders are calling for urgent dialogue with the government to find a balanced approach that ensures the sport's sustainability while addressing the Chief Minister's concerns. Without compromise, the future of horse racing hangs in the balance, with potential economic and social repercussions for communities dependent on the industry.

 

The call is clear: the Chief Minister must act responsibly to safeguard this community. He should either restore the licence or reform the club’s management to ensure the sport continues. The livelihoods of thousands and the preservation of a historic sport depend on his decision.