The Mysore Races 2014 which is generally referred to as the ‘Mysore Main Season’ is scheduled to commence on Thursday 21^st August 2014. The 20 days season will continue till Friday 24^th October 2014. Addressing a press conference on Monday morning, Dr.N.M.Sreenivas, Chairman of the Mysore Race Club Limited announced that the club is conducting the regular Mysore meeting for the first time as an Independent Turf Authority.

“It will be our utmost priority to improve the quality of racing by increasing the level of stakes and incentives offered to racehorse owners, attracting new owners and striving hard to augment the value of prize money through valuable sponsorship” said Dr.N.M.Sreenivas.

Mr.K.G.Ananthraj Urs, Secretary of the Club said that there has been good rains this year and that has helped in keeping the track in ship-shape condition and added that the well-planned irrigation facilities that is available has also helped in maintaining the track.

There is an increase of 15% on the stakes advertised, compared to the previous year. The total stake money in offer is in excess of 6.78 crores. About 510 horses are stabled locally and an additional 400 outstation horses expected to participate during the season. About 25 local trainers and about 40 outstation trainers are expected to race their charges. Around 100 jockeys including all the top riders in Indian Racing circuit are expected to display their riding skills.

A high security Sampling Yard and a refurbished Commentator’s box with all acoustic features are the additions made recently. The Government of Karnataka has accorded permission for construction of 300 additional stables and the process of tendering has already begun. For the time being efforts are underway to put up temporary stables to accommodate visiting horses. Work on the Equine Swimming Pool is underway and is expected to be completed within two months. A giant LED screen has been installed in front of the Grandstand for better viewing of the races by the general public.

Revenue generation is high on the club’s agenda. Steps have been initiated to set up Off-Course Betting Centres to further boost the revenue generation. Opening of Off-Course Betting Centres at towns like Mandya, Madikeri and Hassan are almost finalised. Around 200 betting terminals will be in operation at the race course.

The Mysore Derby is slated for Sunday, 19^th October 2014. The other important races to be run during the season are The Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar Memorial Million – Thursday 28^th August, The H.H.Sri Krishnaraja Wadiyar Memorial Trophy (Gr3) – Friday, 29^thAugust, The Mysore 1000 Guineas 2014 (Gr3) – Thursday, 11^th September, The Maharaja’s Cup 2014 (Gr3) – Friday, 12^th September, The Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Golf Club Mysore 2000 Guineas – Friday, 26^th September 2014, The Mysore Dasara Sprint Championship 2014 (Gr3) – Wednesday, 1^st October and The Governor’s Cup 2014 – Friday, 10^th October 2014.