The Ooty races were called off.  About 14 days' racing cancelled.  Though, personally I think for a lot of punters were it was blessing on disguise, there were many punters who felt disappointed.  Of course BNG & MYS did not run inter venue betting for Ooty races.

Now, MRC is planning a mini season of 12 days starting from August.  Obviously it is with the idea of compensating for loss of Ooty races.  The regular races at Chennai is expected to commence during 3rd or 4th week of October.

My best wishes to MRC regarding this adventurous move.  Such a move will help as a tonic to too many race punters across the country.  Many of them might have been in depression mode because of the thought that racing is not at all possible before November.  If MRC is thinking of racing from August, then there is hope for Mysore, Pune, Kol & Hyd races also.

I am not at all optimistic.  Though the actual number of fresh cases is on decline, there is no corresponding decrease in the death toll.  Anyway my best of luck to MRC and all horsetalk members.

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An interesting development:

A group of Ministers has been constituted on Casinos, Race courses & online betting to come up with comprehensive suggestions with regard to taxability of transactions by the Ministry of finance.

What may be the agenda?  Whether there will be any decrease in the GST rates?  Or, the exercise is a mere eye wash?  

I do not have any high hopes.  For argument sake, let us agree that the GST will be 18% based on the recommendations of Group of Ministers.  Will the club pass on such benefits to punters?  Absolutely not.  The club commission will be jacked up correspondingly!  No relief to the punters.