MAHINDAR SINGH RATHORE

  MYSORE RACE CLUB'S CONTROVERSIAL APPOINTMENT:  The recent appointment of S. Ravi Shanker as Stipendiary Steward by the Mysore Race Club has already sparked intense debate within racing circles. At a time when Indian horse racing is desperately trying to rebuild public confidence, the Mysore Race Club's decision to appoint an official whose tenure has frequently attracted criticism from sections of the racing fraternity raises serious questions. For years, racegoers, owners, punters and industry stakeholders have voiced concerns about inconsistent stewarding, questionable inquiries, lack of transparency and the apparent inability of racing authorities to convincingly address controversial rides and running patterns. Whether justified or not, these perceptions have contributed significantly to the growing distrust that surrounds the sport today. The question therefore is simple: Can an official associated in the minds of many racegoers with a period of declining confiden...

  BANGALORE'S DISTURBING TREND: 60.75% FAVOURITES DEFEATED – WHO WILL STOP THIS ROT? The Bangalore Summer Meeting 2026 has thrown up a statistic that should send alarm bells ringing across the racing fraternity. Out of the 79 races conducted so far, including today's races, only 31 favourites have justified public confidence. A staggering 48 favourites have been beaten. That translates to a shocking 60.75% failure rate for favourites. While horse racing is inherently uncertain and favourites are not expected to win every race, when nearly two-thirds of market leaders consistently fail, serious questions need to be asked. The first casualty of such a trend is public confidence. The average racegoer studies form, follows track reports, analyses speed ratings, observes betting trends and eventually places faith in a horse that the market collectively identifies as the most likely winner. When favourites repeatedly fail at such an alarming rate, punters begin to feel that the game ...