At a press meet chaired by V Harimohan Naidu, the new Chairman of The Bangalore Turf Club, it was announced that the Bangalore Winter Season 2013-14 shall commence on Saturday, 2^nd November 2013. The thirty days of racing scheduled to be held during this period shall end on 22^nd March 2014. Racing will be held mostly on Fridays and Saturdays.  100 jockeys, including foreign riders F DaSilva and Henriques, and 35 “A” license trainers are likely to be seen in action this winter. Since Bangalore has received an extraordinary amount of rainfall in the past few months, it has taken some hard work from the professionals to get the track fit for racing. The lush green track bears testimony to their efforts. It is hoped that there is no further rainfall in the next couple of days, as this would force the authorities to delay the commencement of this season.

A total sum of 18.30 Crores shall be offered in the form of Stakes, Incentives and Subsidies to the Race Horse Owners by The Bangalore Turf Club. It is interesting to note that the subsidies being offered are Fodder Subsidy, Participation Subsidy, Hay and Bedding Subsidy and Veterinary Subsidy. An important rule that has been added as a “rider” to these disbursals, pertains to filing of Income Tax Returns. Only those owners who submit proof to the effect that they have filed IT Returns in the format acceptable to the IT Department for the financial year 2012-2013 ,declaring income from the activity of owning and maintaining race horses, shall be eligible to receive these subsidies.

The Bangalore Derby (grade I), to be held on 26^th January 2014, is likely to gain in stature. Added money for this race has been doubled from 25.00 Lakhs to 50.00 Lakhs. At present there is no sponsor for this race. However, the Club is continuing to make efforts to secure sponsorship for this prestigious event. In case that happens, the winner’s purse could become much bigger.

Another important development relates to the Club’s policy to discourage non-performance of horses.  Not only do these runners continue to occupy precious space at the Club’s premises, but are also a huge drain on an owner’s finances. A horse which has run unplaced in eight consecutive starts, and thereafter runs last clocking more than one second as compared to the second last horse, will be given only one more chance. If the horse fails to touch the board in its tenth start, he or she will not be permitted to race again at Bangalore. Once this rule is implemented, it will discourage those who have a tendency to race unfit horses.

Finally, the Club announced a decision to allow outstation horses to race at Bangalore hereafter. After complying with certain qualifying conditions, outstation horses will be permitted to be stabled at Bangalore on a permanent basis. This is basically being done to enhance competition, and is sure to encourage owners from other centres to bring some good horses to Bangalore.