Inflated egos wreak havoc at BTC
But for the disruption of horse-racing in the garden city, race-goers would have been enjoying the sport last weekend as usual. A lightning strike by horse-trainers — ‘paucity of entries’ according to Bangalore Turf Club authorities, however, meant no racing at any centre and a forced holiday for punters on Saturday.
There are conflicting reports about the developments which led to the disruption of racing at Bangalore. Initially it was believed that a spokesperson appearing before the BTC’s Board of Appeal to plead a trainer’s case was infuriated on the appeal being rejected and he instigated members of the Karnataka Trainers Association to lodge a protest against the BoA’s decision by not entering their horses for the weekend races.
According to the KTA president B Puttana, however, it was not the trainers alone who were protesting but the jockeys and owners were also in support of the strike. Later, interestingly, B Puttana told a reporter that the strike was actually initiated by the Jockeys Association of India! But Puttana didn’t clarify on why the trainers failed to submit the entries in the first place.
No half measures please
This is not the first time that the sport is being held to ransom by vested interests; In January 2008, the prestigious Bangalore Derby too was cancelled in similar circumstances but the BTC stood firm.
The professionals’ grouse against the BTC is that the punishments meted out to professionals are “too harsh”. If the professionals feel that the BTC’s rules of racing are harsh wouldn’t it better if they initiate a dialogue on this issue with the authorities when renewing their licenses? Do the professionals realise that their actions deprive hundreds of people of their daily livelihood not to mention the financial losses BTC suffers?
As for the BTC administration, which has always been immune to such shocks, no backlash was expected from it and none came. After the muted response initially, the BTC Chairman Harimohan Naidu though went on record saying ‘It is time we (BTC) take the bull by its horns’.
It’s indeed a courageous and encouraging statement from Mr Naidu. But for him to act, he must identify the rampaging bulls first. He should ensure there are no half measures this time around.
Raw deal
Horse-racing resumed with a bang at Pune last week but racegoers were disappointed with the altered seating and viewing arrangements in the first enclosure. The RWITC had demolished a British-era stand situated close to the paddock to make way for an air-conditioned enclosure for members/owners and, making a concession, it arranged for a shed, which stands out like a sore thumb amid two air-conditioned facilities.
Earlier too, spectators frequenting the second-floor area next to the photo-finish camera room to enjoy the sport were ejected and shoved into nondescript area with third-rate benches for comfort.
Considering that there’s a reserved enclosure for members already, the ticket-paying public is receiving a raw deal.
Clearly, this is a self-defeating move coming from an institution trying to promote the sport among the masses.
There are conflicting reports about the developments which led to the disruption of racing at Bangalore. Initially it was believed that a spokesperson appearing before the BTC’s Board of Appeal to plead a trainer’s case was infuriated on the appeal being rejected and he instigated members of the Karnataka Trainers Association to lodge a protest against the BoA’s decision by not entering their horses for the weekend races.
According to the KTA president B Puttana, however, it was not the trainers alone who were protesting but the jockeys and owners were also in support of the strike. Later, interestingly, B Puttana told a reporter that the strike was actually initiated by the Jockeys Association of India! But Puttana didn’t clarify on why the trainers failed to submit the entries in the first place.
Meanwhile, it was learnt that jockey PS Chouhan would issue a press statement on JAI’s behalf on this issue which is yet to come. Last heard, trainers are likely to retreat and allow smooth conduct of Bangalore races later this week.
No half measures please
This is not the first time that the sport is being held to ransom by vested interests; In January 2008, the prestigious Bangalore Derby too was cancelled in similar circumstances but the BTC stood firm.
The professionals’ grouse against the BTC is that the punishments meted out to professionals are “too harsh”. If the professionals feel that the BTC’s rules of racing are harsh wouldn’t it better if they initiate a dialogue on this issue with the authorities when renewing their licenses? Do the professionals realise that their actions deprive hundreds of people of their daily livelihood not to mention the financial losses BTC suffers?
As for the BTC administration, which has always been immune to such shocks, no backlash was expected from it and none came. After the muted response initially, the BTC Chairman Harimohan Naidu though went on record saying ‘It is time we (BTC) take the bull by its horns’.
It’s indeed a courageous and encouraging statement from Mr Naidu. But for him to act, he must identify the rampaging bulls first. He should ensure there are no half measures this time around.
Raw deal
Horse-racing resumed with a bang at Pune last week but racegoers were disappointed with the altered seating and viewing arrangements in the first enclosure. The RWITC had demolished a British-era stand situated close to the paddock to make way for an air-conditioned enclosure for members/owners and, making a concession, it arranged for a shed, which stands out like a sore thumb amid two air-conditioned facilities.
Earlier too, spectators frequenting the second-floor area next to the photo-finish camera room to enjoy the sport were ejected and shoved into nondescript area with third-rate benches for comfort.
Considering that there’s a reserved enclosure for members already, the ticket-paying public is receiving a raw deal.
Clearly, this is a self-defeating move coming from an institution trying to promote the sport among the masses.
