An emergency meeting of the Managing Committee of The BTC was held on Monday evening. After deliberating over the current state of affairs affecting racing at Bangalore, the authorities moved to take some positive steps towards resolving the deadlock. Despite the critical financial situation faced by the Club, they decided to enhance the advertised stakes by an additional Rs 1 crore. They also granted Rs 25 lakh to The KROA for augmenting the funds required as stabling expenses payable to The Lumbini Stud Farm. More than a hundred two year olds are housed in this facility, and shall remain there till permission is granted for them to be moved into the Club's premises.
The issue regarding the three months credit of Basic Training Fees paid to the trainers on behalf of the owners was also addressed. It was agreed that the same arrangement could be continued provided the KROA gave an undertaking to make good any default by race horse owners, by setting off against a contingency fund lying with the Club. It is learnt that a draft of such a letter has been forwarded to the KROA for their consideration.
These three steps are a positive move towards commencement of the much-awaited Bangalore Summer Season. There has been pressure on the KROA and KTA from within their ranks to resolve the tangle. Most segments of the racing fraternity feel that these steps are a wonderful gesture by the BTC. It is hoped that the KROA and KTA are graceful about the whole issue, and are willing to take all necessary steps to ensure that racing resumes on Saturday at Bangalore.
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