Syces' strike hits Mysore races

The syces of the Mysore Race Club went on a flash strike on Wednesday, forcing the authorities to cancel the 13th day’s races of the Winter Season.

The syces decided to stay away from work, upset over their dues not being cleared. They alleged that arrears of Rs 700 per month for the period April-June 2012 as well as bonuses had not been paid by their respective trainers.

“The issue has been going on for the last 3-4 days and it reached a boiling point today,” said Mysore Race Club secretary Ananth Raj Urs. “The syces also failed to tend to the horses that were scheduled to run on Wednesday. It all happened at the stables within the club. With no syces a race cannot take place so we had to call it off.”

Urs said a decision on this regard will be taken only after a detailed assessment of the situation. “So far, I’ve not spoken to the trainers. I will be meeting them tomorrow (Thursday). I need to find out whether the wages have been paid or not.”

Meanwhile, Bangalore Turf Club secretary Nirmal Prasad, brushed aside fears of a similar issue cropping up in Bangalore. “The syces who work in Mysore are completely different from Bangalore. There is no problem here and the races will go on as usual.”