The Winter Racing Season is set to commence at The Bangalore Turf Club on Friday, 6th November 2009. The uncertainty that had loomed large over the Winter Programme has cleared for the moment, with the Government of Karnataka accepting the prospectus sent to it by the Club. The issue of relocation of the present race course has become sub-judice, with The BTC moving an application in The Karnataka High Court a couple of days ago. Mr Vivek Ubhayakar, the new Chairman of the BTC, held a pre-season press conference at the Clubs premises on Wednesday. Apart from the usual announcements regarding stakes, incentives and subsidies, he announced the appointment of Mr Raman as the Chief Stipendiary Steward of the Club. Mr Raman has many years of experience, and is well respected in racing circles all over the country. The announcement was greeted with a sigh of relief by those present at this get-together. The stiping at this centre needed to be tightened, and the team of Mr Raman and Mr Mahender looks fairly formidable. The racing is going to be spread over 34 race days, and the season shall come to an end on the 2nd of April, 2010. The activity shall be confined to Fridays and Saturdays. The stake money on offer has been increased from Rs 12 Crore last year to Rs 14 Crore in 2009-2010. The three Winter Classics shall have the same sponsors as last year. The Poonawalla family shall continue to sponsor the Winter Derby. The Harwin's Group's association with the 2000 Guineas shall remain in place, while the sponsorship of The 1000 Guineas will stay with The Fernhills Palace Hotel, Ooty. The Club has constructed additional stables in recent months, and most of the youngsters have moved into the premises. The track is looking in superb condition and racegoers can look forward to an exciting period of racing.