For a Race Club which has been used to live action throughout the year, the last six months have been long and dreadful in the history of The Mysore Race Club. The outbreak of the Equine Influenza affected the horses stationed at this centre, and the authorities had no option but to stop racing in the middle of November. Although normalcy was restored a couple of months ago, it was imperative to wait till early May to resume racing activities. It becomes extremely hot in March and April, and with a scarcity of water looming large on the horizon, conditions become difficult for racing. Live action returns to Mysore with the commencement of the Mysore Summer Season on Friday, 8th May 2009.
It has been programmed as an 18-day season, with racing continuing uninterrupted till the middle of July. Alternate weeks shall witness two days of action. The Owners Association has requested for an additional two days of racing, and the authorities have agreed to consider their proposal. The long gap has helped in sprucing up the track, which is noticed to be in immaculate condition. In spite of an increased Turnover Tax and other financial pressures in recent months, the Management has decided to peg the stake money at the same level as last year. Sixty-three unraced three-year olds have joined the existing lot of horses, and keen competition is expected on the track. Fields are expected to be packed, and random balloting-out will become a standard practice during the first few weeks. The work on the construction of new stables has started, and it is hoped that a large percentage of permanent stables shall be ready prior to the commencement of the Mysore Main Season in August.
The Managing Committee of the Mysore Race Club has made some fine gestures towards the welfare of the Owners and Trainers, who have been under financial pressure because of this long break in racing. It is normal to see 9-year old horses being retired and removed from the stables at the end of the Winter Season. In a rare move, such horses have been permitted to race for another season. The Club has decided to bear the total veterinary bills incurred during November, December and January by the trainers. This has resulted in a major relief to the owners. Some members of the Managing Committee of the Club have made a commendable gesture of making personal contributions towards the Trainers Welfare. A sum in excess of Rs 13 lakh has been raised and contributed towards this cause.
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