Decks cleared for Bangalore summer races

A BTC executive commmittee meeting on Thursday decided to accept the proposals that emerged after several negotiations between all the three parties. “The primary demands made by the owners and trainers were acceded to after prolonged negotiations between the Club (BTC) and representatives of the owners and trainers,” Ashok Ragahavan, former secretary of the KROA, said. 

“The proposals were worked out so as to ensure that the interest of the club as well as the owners and trainers were protected,” he added.

Srinivasa Gowda, Senior Steward of BTC, also felt the right decision was made and racing in Bangalore had to go on. “It was smooth sailing for BTC, KROA and KTA as everybody was in agreement and I’m glad that the summer season will go on from Saturday,” he said.

With BTC adding Rs 1.25 crore to the stake money as well as agreeing to stable two-year old horses at the race course, KROA and KTA decided to end the impasse.
“All issues have been resolved with accomodation from both sides and the summer season will commence from this weekend,” Arvind Raghavan, honorary secretary of the KROA said.

“The owners hope and pray that this season will not be the last at the present venue,” he added referring to the High Court order on BTC for a September 22 closure.

It is also understood that the two racing days lost on May 15 and May 16 might be made up sometime over the course of the season. “We have requested the BTC to make good the two days lost and hopefully we can make it up,” B Puttanna, president of KTA said.
Meanwhile, the BTC is expected to file a Special Leave Petition appealing against the High Court order in the Supreme Court in July first week.