After the State Government delivered a knock-out punch, not providing the Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) the licence required to conduct racing at this premier racing centre, the managing committee of the club headed by BTC chairman Shivkumar Kheny decided to hold an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)  after two weeks to attain the support and gain a go-ahead from the members on the many designs and plans, the committee has drawn to impress and play straight on a sticky wicket. It is learnt  that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in a brief meeting with the BTC delegation on Friday categorically told the committee that he will call for a meeting with the full BTC committee including the government nominated stewards, L K Atheeq (Finance secretary) and B Dayananda (Police Commissioner) before making government's decision clear on the issue. 

From the news emanating from the corridors of power, it is clear that the government wants BTC to shift out from its existing premises. Sources in the government ranks disclosed that a proposal to shift racing activities outside the city is drawn and the club is aware of the intention of the government. In addition the sources revealed that the government wants the club to withdraw the case pertaining to shifting of the race course pending before the Supreme Court. It maybe recalled that the BS Yeddiyurappa government in 2008 had directed the club to shift out and in response the club decided to contest the decision of the government in court pointing out that the 72-acre land was given to the horse racing club `as largesse' by the then Maharaja Of Mysore. The BTC however lost the case in the High Court before they filed an SLP in the Supreme Court. 

While it is yet not clear what the real reason and the government intention is to stop the licence, rumours in plenty are flying around without any substance and style. Some say that GST evasion by the club has got the club in trouble, while some posts on WhatsApp declare that the government is seeking 50 memberships from the club. "All these posts are baseless and fake," said Kheny pointing out that club members need to ignore the rumours and trust the committee to put racing back on track. 

It is learnt that the real reason for the government to stop the ;licence is that the government is receiving many complaints on the sport, not being conducted in a satisfactory manner. Favouritism, violation of rules of racing, be it racing and medicine have come to light and the government is seeking explanations from the decision makers of the club before they issue a directive to the club. Taking into account that all this will take time, it is needless to mention that the horse owners and the syces (1500) will be hit hard. It costs Rs, 40,000 per month to maintain a horse and without any earning from racing it is difficult to maintain a horse. The syces and the more than 1000 daily wage earners including the tote operators too will be hit hard, many employees above the age of  40  will struggle to gain employment in a different field.

The BTC understands that the onus is on them to get racing back on the track and the mandarins of the club are looking for the support of the members to safely clear the big hurdle in the next two weeks. And for that to happen, BTC apart from the support of the members must gain the confidence of the government and win the all-important dialogue in the crucial, winner takes it all next meeting.