Summer races to start from tomorrow

 Bangalore Summer Meeting is all set to kick off on Saturday, with an increase in stake money and financial incentives highlighting the season.

Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) chairman V Harimohan Naidu, addressing a press conference, said the level of stake money has been increased by 3.7 percent, as compared to the previous year with respect to all ordinary races.

The stakes will be allocated in the ratio of 82.5%, 10% and 7.5% in favour of owners, trainers and jockeys, including sweepstake races.

A total number of 220 races have been scheduled in a period of 26 race days and 800 horses are expected to participate, which includes 85 outstation horses.

The Kingfisher Derby Bangalore (Grade I), to be held on July 12, will be the main attraction of the season. The guarantee money for the main event will be Rs 2.5 crore, inclusive of BTC’s contribution of Rs 70 lakh and equal contribution of Rs 70 lakh from the sponsors.  There has also been an increase in the total payout, with 20.88 crore alloted compared to 19.59 for 200 races, covering 25 days last year.

The performance linked incentives with respect to Bengaluru-based horses have also been increased by 5.5 percent. The winner will walk away with Rs 30,000 while the runner-up will receive 15000.

There will be 16 special races, starting with the Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Cup (Grade II), scheduled on Sunday.

Special Race Days: May 17: Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Cup (Grade II); May 24: Karnataka Juvenile Million (Grade II); May 31: Chief Minister’s Cup (Grade III); June 7: Karnataka Mile Championship Cup (Grade II); June 14: Fillies Championship Stakes (Grade I).

June 20: Chief Justice’s Cup (Grade I); June 28: Juvenile Sprinters’ Million (Grade III). July 5: Maharaja’s Gold Cup (Grade II); July 11: BTC Anniversary Cup (Grade II); July 12: Kingfisher Derby Bangalore (Grade I); July 19: Bangalore St Leger (Grade II); July 26: Bangalore Summer Million (Grade III); July 31: Bangalore City Gold Cup (Grade III); August 7: Governor’s Cup (Grade III).