In a bid to put the Bangalore Turf Club (BTC)  back into the elite league, the new management committee is clearing hurdles fast and fine. The mandarins of the club have successfully got the nod from the government to allot fresh licenses to the bookmakers and the club has already started to issue the applications in their endeavour to rope in 26 bookmakers. To the credit of the government, it must be mentioned that it has been responsive and more importantly accommodative and that has helped the club progress on the desired lines. While clearing the bookmakers issue, the government has made it clear that the club must refrain from providing licenses to the charge-sheeted bookies and the decision makers of the club have agreed to follow the dictat, while sealing the all-important bookmakers' deal in the week ahead. 

The new managing committee understandably disappointed with the collections at the tote and the big fall in attendance are hopeful that the hardcore racing buffs will be back the moment bookmakers start their operations. It is no secret that the Mysore Race Club (MRC) has benefited most from this scenario, more than 1000 punters from Bengaluru travelling to Mysore to place their bets with the bookies on all racing days. The experienced managing committee member Chaduranga Kanthraj Urs disclosed that the club has also advertised, inviting applications for post of Stipendiary Steward, Assistant Stipendiary Steward, Handicapper and Chief Veterinary Officer (regulatory). "We need knowledgeable, qualified and experienced personnel to competently run the show and that's our priority," said Kantharaj. 

When posed with the question that has BTC inked the deal with HPSL,who were keen to sponsor all the summer and winter classics, Kantharaj and steward Jagdish revealed that the sponsorship process is taking a definite shape and the committee is confident of roping in one principal sponsor.. " We are confident that we will gain the required sponsorships to conduct the big marquee events and it will be done," said Jagdish. 

The CEO and secretary of the club, MK Kiran disclosed that the attendance and collections at the tote got better in the second week and the club is hoping that before the first classic, the Fillies Trial Championship Stakes, scheduled to be held on August 2, railbirds will be back making investments at this centre. " After a big break it normally takes a while for people to get back into the groove and it will happen, now that racing is back on even keel," said Kiran pointing out that the onus is also on the trainers and owners to put in the required entries to frame a good card which is appealing to the racing buffs. 

Well all said and done, the committee is making the right moves, aware that one false move will result in a check-mate. .