The classic scene this winter lacks the quality to evoke interest among the railbirds, only two colts, Bold  Majesty (Multidimensional-Fond Fantasy) from trainer S Ganapathy’s yard,  winner of the Mysore Derby and  the Dr Vijay Mallya owned Spreadeagle (Burden Of Proof-Sugarbird)  set to dominate in the  28-day winter season scheduled to start on Friday, Nov 7.  

Most leading trainers while admitting that the stock at this premier centre this winter lacks the potential to match strides with the classic hopefuls in the West, pointed out that the juveniles under their care look good and hold promise to graduate to a higher level when the season comes on a boil.  

Despite the `sucker punch’ the chief minister Siddaramiah making it clear that the Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) needs to shift out after three years and that the government is not obligated to provide the club any alternate land or financial assistance to build a new race course, the managing committee of club is busy working out the many combinations and permutations to amicably address the critical issue.

“It will be a very competitive winter season. The track is in good shape and the 70 jockeys including a couple of foreigners will enjoy their stint this winter,” said Harimohan.

The BTC chairman pointed out that following the judgement of the High Court contending that the section 194B of the Income Tax not applicable to stake money, the entire structure of payment of stake money and subsidy has been revised.  All subsidies except Oats have been withdrawn and that the club has reverted back to the earlier policy of promoting stake oriented racing.

The Club surprisingly has failed to rope in a sponsor for the Winter Derby on the Republic day and that is not a good sign taking into account that Hyderabad and Mysore draw good sponsors for the blue riband.   

“We are working towards it and we are confident that we will get a good long-term sponsor for the premier event before the year end” said Harimohan.

In addition to the nine per cent increase in stakes this winter, 10 per cent incentive will be paid to stakes earned by Karnataka bred horses and 20 per cent incentive will continue to be offered to small owners owning local bred horses.

A C Satish Chandra will head the Board Of Appeal.

Well now that the stage is set, the onus is on the professionals to ensure quality fields which will help generate excitement among the railbirds looking to nail bold colours to the mast and strike at the pot of gold the other side of the rainbow this winter.