History seems to have repeated itself at The Bangalore Turf Club, when the opening weekend of the much-awaited Bangalore Summer Season was called off due to a paucity of runners. The trainers at this centre refused to enter their horses in accordance with the new guidelines and prospectus issued by the Managing Committee of The BTC. They, in turn, were forced to do so by the powers within The Karnataka Racehorse Owner's Association, who felt that the Club was being a bit harsh by scaling down the total stake money, as also by imposing certain conditions that would make the professional life of a trainer a little more difficult.

Added to this was the fact that in the past, whenever The KROA had wanted its way and threatened a strike, the Club had more often than not acceded to their demands. In recent years, we have been witness to these bodies calling for strikes that led to the cancellation of racing at Bangalore. A couple of years ago, the Bangalore Winter Derby had become a casualty of such developments. This year's problems seemed to have started with the decision of The Government Of Karnataka to move the race course from its present location.

A recent judgement passed by the High Court asking BTC to vacate the premises on 22 September, 2010 is like a time bomb waiting to explode. The prevailing uncertain conditions have increased the tension. Over the past few years, The BTC has been generous in offering the highest stake money in the country. In addition to this, the Club has been giving additional incentives to smaller owners. The quality of Bangalore racing has been of the highest order and the confidence of the public is reflected in the tote turnover touching a whopping Rs 1,100 Crore in 2009. The Club has been giving a credit of three months basic training fees to the owners.

In other words, the Club has been releasing BTF to the trainers on the 1st of every month, regardless of the credit available in an owner's account. A total sum in excess of Rs 2 Crore stands as an outstanding in these accounts. Wanting to put some discipline into the system, the Club came out with certain conditions. Faced with uncertainty over the future existence of The BTC, some fiscal measures were required. After a series of meetings, the Prospectus for the Summer Season was released. There was a marginal decrease in the total stake money, while the incentives to small owners were continued.

A decision to withdraw the credit facility of three months BTF raised a hue and cry. Even though such facilities don’t exist in any other racing centre in India, they had become a part and parcel of the system at Bangalore. The Karnataka Trainers Association (KTA) jointly with the KROA raised objections. They stated that it would be very difficult for a trainer to go individually to each owner in his stable, and collect the monthly dues. The BTC, on its part, stated that since there was a distinct possibility of racing activities stopping on 22 September, they could not afford to take a chance with such huge outstanding. They wanted to put their own house in order.

After further deliberations, the Club agreed that instead of totally abolishing this facility, it would reduce the credit limit from three months to one month. They further extended an olive branch to the KTA and KROA. They suggested that the present arrangement of three months credit of BTF could be continued, provided the KROA gave an assurance that in the eventuality of a closure of racing on the said date, the outstanding amount could be deducted from the KROA fund (approximately Rs 7 Crore) lying in the safe custody of the Club.

The balance amount could then be handed back to them. This proposal was unacceptable to the two associations. The KTA and KROA want the Club to maintain a "status quo" on all issues during the Summer Season. They want the same stakes, continuation of three months credit of BTF to the owners’ accounts and all incentives as existing at the end of the Winter Season. They have refused to race under altered conditions.

As a result of this decision, the trainers abstained from entering their horses in the races framed for the opening weekend. In short, they decided to resort to a strike. Both sides have taken a rigid stance and are refusing to budge. The absence of The Chairman of The BTC is not helping matters. A week after getting elected, he announced the new prospectus along with the changed racing conditions, and left the country. He is expected to return only later in the month.

The members of The Managing Committee of the Club state emphatically that they don’t have the funds to cater to the demands of the KTA and KROA. There is normally a solution to most problems, and especially when parties meet in a positive frame of mind, a via media can always be found. Unfortunately, the present issue seems to have reached a deadlock. Bangalore is the only centre in the country to have racing in the summer months.

Other race clubs look forward to augmenting their finances by holding off-course betting. Racing patrons look forward to the intense competition during this period, and punters get excited at the prospects of gambling after a break of over a month. All these sections of society are totally dismayed by these sudden developments. It is hoped that things are sorted out in the next few days and racing activity commences on a lush green track that awaits the thoroughbreds.