It promises to be extremely competitive and it is certain to evoke maximum interest among the railbirds this summer season. 15 leading trainers across the country are down here with 98 well performed horses in their bid to give the top local professionals a run for the money. While the local pros are confident with the ammunition under their belt they do appreciate the quality stock which will be on parade this summer.

The frontline classic hopefuls from the four premier racing centres enjoying the climate and the conditions appear in good health and their masters are satisfied with the performances of the wards in the morning trials. A couple of top outstation trainers disclosed that a couple of good showers this week have helped in their preparations to start the season on a positive note, pointing out that their wards are enjoying the training routines and are raring to go in their effort to make their presence felt against the best at this centre.

Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) Chairman, V Harimohan Naidu immensely pleased with the response to the summer season revealed that good quality stock from the leading trainers including Pesi Shroff and Mallesh Narredu from Mumbai will provide a new dimension to the sports this summer considering the fact that most top trainers have a good number of trail blazers under their care, willing to prove their mettkle in the big classic tests ahead. .

“All the outstation trainers are gearing up to obtain optimum performances from there wards and this is a good sign,” said Harimohan adding that a couple of good timely showers have helped to maintain the track in ship-shape condition. Endorsing the view of the chairman. leading saddle artistes and trainers most pleased with the track and weather conditions disclosed that the horses are loving the climate and are jumping out of their skin, eager to gallop to fame.   

The blue riband of the summer season, the Kingfisher Ultra Derby, the second richest event in the Indian racing calendar is scheduled to be held on Sunday July 21 and the mega event has attracted more than fifty entries. The total price money for the 26-day summer season scheduled to start on Saturday is estimated to cost BTC Rs 19.5 crore despite the fact that the club  has managed to rope in a few sponsors for a couple of other major events this summer.

The club declared that a maximum of 12 acceptors are permitted to be accepted in ordinary races on all race days, and an addition of two will be made in the four classics at the Maharaja’s Gold Cup.

Harimohan disclosed that the Board Of Appeal (BOA) has been reconstituted and N Harindra Shetty will be the chairman of the six member board.  The chairman further revealed that the jockeys have been subjected to a fitness test conducted by the officials of the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Bengaluru as a prerequisite licensing procedure.
So all said and done the stage is set and most classic hopefuls will be looking to emulate Sir Cecil this summer.