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Bangalore Winter Season Commences On Friday

By Pearcey | 03 Nov 2011 | BANGALORE


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Regular showers over the city of Bangalore in the past few weeks have softened the local race track, and it is quite possible that any further rain in the next couple of days will delay the scheduled start of The Bangalore Winter Season 2011-2012.  Dr KM Srinivasa Gowda, Chairman Bangalore Turf Club, confirmed that the penetrometer reading on Wednesday morning stood at 6.9.  At a press meet, he stated that the authorities would keep a close watch on the weather. They did not want to damage the track by holding the action in heavy going. Being a long season, consisting of 34 meetings over five months, the lush green track needed proper care and maintenance. Furthermore, The BTC was honoured to hold the 50th running of The Turf Invitation Cup in March 2012. The Club wanted to ensure the best possible conditions during that important week-end.

Racegoers all over the country are hoping for a prompt start to this season. The popularity of Bangalore Racing can be gauged from the large crowds that throng inter-venue betting centres across India. The last few seasons have been hampered by "strikes". Dr Gowda hoped that there would be no such issues this year. The BTC was on course to set up a committee which would try and find amicable solutions to most of these problems. On their part, the agitating professionals had agreed to wait patiently for such an outcome. With regard to the issue of the Government Of Karnataka wanting The BTC to move out of its present location, he said that the matter was in The Supreme Court Of India and the next date of hearing had been posted in March 2012.

The stake money this season has been increased by approximately 10% over the similar period last year. An estimated amount of Rupees Three Crores has been budgeted separately for the "Invitation Weekend". The incentives for small owners will continue to remain in place. The authorities shall ensure strict discipline and try their best to conduct clean and fair racing at this centre. The Chairman was also hopeful of getting co-operation from the local authorities. The infrastructure within the premises needed immediate attention, and permissions from the relevant departments were awaited before commencing these works.

With another 20 youngsters getting Apprentice Jockey Licences last week, the total strength of riding talent at this centre has crossed One Hundred. While Suraj Narredu, PS Chouhan and Srinath will spearhead the local challenge, internationally acclaimed jockeys like Martin Dwyer, Anthony Crastus, Richard Hughes, Stephane Pasquier and Ladjadj Stephane will don silks for their respective yards. The arrival of two year olds has ensured that more than Nine Hundred horses are presently stabled at Bangalore. A mere look at the morning track work is enough to realize that most of the yards are set for a quick start. The competition is bound to be intense during the next five months.