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PROS DELIGHTED WITH FACILITIES ON OFFER AT GUINDY

By Ikram Khan | 03 Mar 2016 | CHENNAI


Ikram Khan

After one long year, the best horse on the circuit Quasar and the local star  Be Safe will cross swords in the `Champion Of Champions’ event, the Indian Turf Invitation Cup at Guindy on Sunday and the racing buffs at this centre are loving it. In the mix is the Indian Derby winner Desert God and host of other classic hopefuls ready to wear the champion sash while providing the Madras Race Club (MRC) a leg-up in its effort to gallop to fame.

Spearheaded by the dynamic chairman R Ramakrishnan and Dr.Karathikeyan, secretary, the MRC committee members, it must be mentioned have attended to all details and the owners and professionals are immensely pleased with the facilities and conditions on offer.

Ramakrishnan, who had the distinction of being the youngest Chairman of MRC disclosed that it was a big challenge not only to put all things in order but to gain the confidence of owners and professionals to race in Guindy and that MRC has successfully done it, is a feather in the cap for the committee.

“It is one big step forward and I understand that we need to keep the momentum in our effort to make the big league,” said Ramakrishnan, popularly known as RK in the racing circles.

A prolific administrator and a passionate follower of sport, RK pointed out that the fact that MRC is back in the business, opening the doors to all owners, be it small or big has generated maximum interest in the racing fraternity.

 “The response to entries for classics next year has been very encouraging, trainers from all the other premier racing centres filing entries and this is a healthy sign,” said RK adding that MRC does not have provision for final entries and hence entries have to be put by the specified date.


What is  appreciated most is that MRC has managed to successfully scale the many hurdles in quick time and provide a standard platform for the star performers in the game to catapult to fame.

“The idea was to take measured steps in the right direction. And I’m delighted that most pros and the top administrators from other big clubs are appreciating our effort to put Guindy back on par with the rest,” said RK.

“We understand that we need to change our stance and produce a match-winning second innings and let me tell you we have made a strong start to do just that,” said the chief of MRC satisfied with the preparations.

``We are spending about Rs 8 to 10 crores towards hosting the mega event and improvement of infrastructure. Apart from the new stands, a, a VIP lounge and a Stewards Lounge have been installed along with a new photo-finish camera.

“We are expecting a strong 25,000 crowd and we are ready for it. And this is to only tell you that  Chennai racing buffs are up and ready for the carnival,” said RK.

Full marks to my committee. With many seasoned veterans and a couple of new administrators,  Board Of Appeal chairman, K Ganapathy,  Ramesh Rangarajan and others we did what was required from us to stage this big event and we are open to suggestions from all quarters,” signed off RK.