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Polo Looks Up, As EI Yet To Fade

By Parjanya | 19 Dec 2008 | DELHI


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While, the racing authority in the northern region is yet to react on the phase out of Equine Influenza or Pyrexia of Unknown origin (PUO), the Indian Polo Association appears to have taken initiative by organising polo events at the heart of the Delhi Race Course, the Jaipur Polo Ground, recently. The Indian Polo Open Championship - a 16 goal handicap, and Baroda Cup were organised with with no hiccup. It is very much noted that the dreaded disease had first hit the army horses in Jammu & Kashmir before entering into Bareilly, Jaipur, Delhi and Kolkata. Infact, it is still unknown how it reached at the Western India. Now, the fact of more than 250 horses appearing for the morning excersise has almost stamped on the walk out of the dreaded disease from this territory. And it has been over two week since the horses have been working out with greater strength. Though, the professionals are looking quite enthusiastic and optimistic about the resumption of races yet delay in the official announcement has started dampening the spirit of them. The trainers are of opinion that thier horses are ifine fettle and having no sign of any symptom of nausea, coughing and fever related to the highly contagious disease. The delay in announcing the re-commencement of races is giving air to the rumour that a round of another inspection by the senior veterinarian Dr (Prof) P K Uppal, Technical Director of Diagnostic Research Laboratories (Royal Western India Turf Club Limited) can not be ruled out. However, it is learnt that by the end of this weekend the fate of races would be decided. The early start after a break of over two months can only save the professionals as it is an open secret that a gap of three months between a season (may to July) comes high and dry for the saddlers and jockeys as well.