The management committee of the Mysore Race Club (MRC) spearheaded by chairman, KT Balakrishna was looking at first to start the summer season on Wednesday, May 6, but after an inspection of the track a couple of days ago, the chairman disclosed that racing in all probability will start on May 20, taking into account that the track is hard and the lack of rains and the sweltering heat is not helping the authorities to get the track in ship-shape condition for an early start. 

"We are ready and so too are the professionals at MRC. All we need is a couple of good showers this week and if that happens, we can get going from May 13 itself, failing which, we will get the ball rolling on May 20, said Balakrishna pointing out that the owners, trainers and jockeys after a long five-month break are ready and raring to go. 

"After gaining the free from glanders certificate from the National Research Centre for Equines (NRCE), Hisar, we have submitted the required documents to the Animal Husbandry Department and soon the earlier notified area of the club will be De-notified as per clause-5 of the "National Action Plan for Control and Eradication of Glanders in India (Revised 2025) and the restriction imposed on the movement of equines, donkeys and mules in and out of the notified area will be withdrawn," said Balakrishna hoping to put the horse back on track at the earliest. 

When asked when MRC is likely to host the Indian Turf Invitation Cup, Balakrishna revealed that following a meeting with the members of Turf Authority of India (TAI), it was decided to conduct the Champions Of Champions event on the Mysore Derby day in the last week of October. Replying to a question that the Indian Turf Invitation Cup will lose it's sheen if it is staged on the Derby day, the chairman said: "We understand that and we will arrive at a final decision after speaking to our sponsors in the month ahead," said Balakrisna adding that MRC will leave no stone unturned in its effort to raise the bar and provide a silver lining to the extravaganza. 

"The committee has worked on a few options and we will take the best option available," said Balakrishna promising that MRC is geared up to host the mega event in all pomp and glory. It is learnt that the committee is in talks with the most sought after sponsor Zavaray Poonawalla for the Derby and the Invitation Cup and the famed breeder of the Poonawalla Stud Farms is willing to support MRC in its endeavour to scale a new high.