'Time constraints need to be looked into'

On the problems in relocating: There are three problems that we encounter with this relocation process. It’s the availability of the alternate land, the financial support and most importantly, time. The government has spotted land past Yelahanka but they have not allotted it to us yet and this proves to be a major hurdle. We need a minimum of two years to complete the track alone. The stables, stands and the other structures will take another three years to complete. So five years is what we need. The government is co-operating with us but the time constraints have still not been taken into consideration.
We have asked the government to let us continue racing at the old course till the new one comes up. We have also requested for a fifty-year lease for the land and a tax exemption for seven years. In such a case, we have promised to pay the tax once we start earning revenue at the new course. BTC has employed thousands of people to ensure the smooth functioning of the club. What happens to them?

On the benefits of relocating: The move to no matter where will generate a good spin-off in the respective area. So the people will certainly benefit from the club’s location.
Horse racing is as much as a sport as any other but the shame is that it is not considered as a sport. It is a considered a form of gambling even though the Supreme Court has declared horse racing as a ‘game of skill’.

On the new course: The course that we will eventually construct will be the first new course in India in 60 years. And we are looking to build a state of the art facility that will make the BTC the best in the country. The course that exists now is barely able to accommodate the horses and the move will certainly help our cause. The government initially asked us to stop racing for two years but that will affect not only this club it will affect every club in the country.


View from the trackside

MG Jayaram (coffee planter, punter for 10 years): The move does not affect me in any way. It is a move forced upon the BTC by the circumstances and there is no point in grumbling over it. I’ll just stop going to the race course if it’s that far away but it wont stop me from being a punter.

Chandran (accountant):  I have been a punter for well over 35 years now and I really don’t know how the move won’t affect me. It will make a difference to all the punters around. This is really harsh.

Darius Byramji (trainer): The move will have us (trainers) working overtime just to transport the horses to the new track but the worst affected are the punters and I really don’t know how they will manage to overcome this situation.

Damodharan S (auto driver, punter for 11 years): I have been in this sport for a decade now and obviously it affects me. It makes a difference to my family, because the money I earn from my profession is not enough and this acts as another source of income. Even though it’s not concrete, it’s something. I will have major problems in travelling that far and seriously hope it does not happen but if it does I guess I might just stop.

Padmanaba Kumar (vegetable vendor, punter for 20 years): This is my side business. I have been trying to get some news regarding this relocation and what I have read so far does not make me happy. I have a family of six and this move could make my life so much harder.”

Razzaq (assistant trainer, Hyderabad Race Club): The punters will go where the racing is, there is no two ways about it. I know how the people will be affected but the degree will vary and only time will tell how it’s going to work out.

Santhosh Gonsalves (carpenter, punter):  I started betting only recently and I enjoy it thoroughly. The relocation will affect me but it won’t stop me from going wherever the race track is.
RT