The champion trainer of the summer season, Suleiman Attaollahi, leading trainer S Padmanabhan and former champion Irfan Ghatala will hold the whip hand this winter taking into account that the top three pros in their yard have good number of bred in the purple youngsters who are forward and the older horses under their care, subject to judicious preparation are ready to make a big splash early on in the 28-day season, starting on Friday.

The opening week-end, it appears is under threat, rains continuing to lash the city. But the conductors of the sport at this centre are of the view that all that the new lush green track needs is a spell of good sunshine on the morrow and the starter’s flag will signal the start of another season.

The city in the last three days has recorded six inches of rain and most pros are of the view that another thunderstorm will make it difficult, resulting in postponement of the eight-event card framed for the first day.

The chairman of the Bangalore Turf Club (BTC), A C Satish Chandra satisfied with the quality of the stock at this centre disclosed that it will be a very competitive winter season.  “The lush green track is in ship-shape condition and the thunder of hooves on Friday will provide a lyrical ring to all the racing buffs looking forward to a good winter season,” said Satish pointing that the club has offered a 17 percent increase in stakes and the owners are delighted to race at this premier centre.

The winter Derby scheduled to be held on the traditional date, Jan 26, Republic Day, this season will be held on Saturday, Jan 23 and that’s simply due to the fact that the 36^th Asian Racing Conference in Mumbai is scheduled from Jan 24 to 29.

“This season, the Garuda Group will sponsor the Derby with a contribution of Rs 36 lakh each by the sponsor and the club,” said Satish Chandra.

In addition to the increase in stakes, 10 percent incentive will continue to be paid on stakes earned in ordinary races by horses bred in the state and 20 percent will be paid on stake money earned by small owners of local horses in ordinary races.

To commemorate the club for conducting the sport at this venue for more than 150 years, the club has framed a race, the Commemoration Trophy on Derby day for horses four-year-old and upwards over a mile. And the winner of this event will take home a handsome purse.
Apart from the 630 betting terminals which will be in operation including 120 betting terminals for Off-course betting located outside the race course, Satish Chandra revealed that an additional 42 terminals will be added to the list to facilitate the railbirds by Nov 15.

With the object to make the conduct of racing at this centre on par with the international standards, the stipendiary stewards, Satish disclosed are being empowered to impose fines to a maximum of Rs 25,000 and or impose suspensions up to a maximum of four race days in respect of infringements under the rules of racing.  

The rules pertaining to the constitution of the Board Of Appeal (BOA) have been amended wherein no elected steward will serve on the BOA during his tenure. Former chairman of BTC, S G Madhukar will head the BOA this winter.

More than 70 jockeys including a couple of foreign riders will be seen in action this season.  The Scottish pro David Allan who is regular in winter is retained by trainer Padmanabhan while Dominic has engaged a top rider from Panama who is donning silks in Dubai this winter.

The top two Indian pros, Trevor Patel will partner all horses owned by the most sought after owner Dr Vijay Mallya while Sandesh will continue his partnership with leading trainer S Ganapathy.