From left: RTC CEO Wayne Wood, RTC Treasurer Nisitha Rupasinghe, RTC President Suranjith Premadasa, Kunigal Stud Farm MD Zayne Mirza, RTC Consultant Cyrus Madan, India’s leading and legendary horse trainer R R Byramji and RTC Committee Members Nihara Rutnam and Sudarshana Deshapriya 

Following the successful conclusion of its inaugural racing season earlier this year, the Royal Turf Club (RTC) have announced the dates for their forthcoming race season at the Nuwara Eliya Race Track.

“There will be plenty to look forward to in the future as the Royal Turf Club moves into the second racing season which will commence on 6 August with racing taking place nearly every two weeks until 13 May 2017,” said RTC CEO Wayne Wood at media briefing on Tuesday.

Over this period 19 race days will be conducted, while sponsors have already indicated their interest to come on board, noted Wood. “We are still negotiating the finer details with two international brands,” he added.

The previous race season, from 20 March to 20 April 2016, saw a record number of pony races. In addition to the thoroughbreds who participated, 22 ponies ran in 11 races to total 59 starts. 19 pony owners received a total of Rs 880,687.50 in prize money, while jockeys received a total of Rs 80,062.50 and trainers Rs 106,750, thus firmly establishing horse racing as the common man’s sport.

“With the proper development of this sport, tourism will greatly benefit,” added Wood. “Resulting once again in the generation of employment both directly as well as indirectly, not forgetting valuable foreign exchange that will be brought into the country.  

“With the additional race meetings, the additional horses, the construction that is ongoing, there are many jobs in the offering for the right people. This is not only fantastic for the community but for the whole of Sri Lanka.”

Foreign investment

With regard to foreign investment, Wood said the RTC had been approached by foreign Investors who had closely monitored its performance over the April Season. “Naturally the club will discuss any proposals they have and if the proposal will be of benefit to the Sri Lankan people, the Nuwara Eliya community and the racing industry we shall definitely take the matter further,” he added.

Wood also hinted of a significant investment coming in to the RTC via a country noted for its support since World War 2. “I cannot divulge the details just yet but the minute we know, you will know.”

Betting

One of the more notable aspects of the April racing season was the lack of gambling on races, and Wood said the RTC had received several verbal and written complaints that there was no betting on course. “The RTC does not have any intention of conducting any betting at this stage” affirmed Woods. “It is a popular myth – here and not abroad – that horse racing is associated with gambling. It is not. On the contrary the BIGGEST race in the world (The Dubai world cup) is a non gambling race.”

There are two types of business models in racing: Gambling Associated Races and Non Gambling Races (Commonly known now as the Dubai Model). The Dubai Model raises income strictly via Sponsorships and Spectatorship. “It is also a fact that non gambling race courses pay the highest stakes today,” noted Wood. “As such our business model is based on the Dubai model which will not only generate higher profits for investors but also will ensure longevity for horse racing after betting on horses is long gone.”

In many parts of the world, racing supports a number of charities and in Sri Lanka too this will be the case. 

“Hospitals, schools, housing, are all part of RTC’s plans to uplift the community, while RTC President Suranjith Premadasa is working on a very special medical project, the details of which will be divulged once finalised,” said Wood. “Obviously the race course (along with foreign investors) is not a charitable organisation. However, just like any other organisation operating in a civil society, the RTC also has a social obligation.”

The RTC has also earmarked certain causes which need immediate attention, and a few ways it plans to achieve this without eating into its profitability and survival are: (a) Hold charity specific race days, (b) Contribute a certain % of the prize monies to such causes as cancer, and (c) Contribute a certain % from the horse sales to charities.

“We have earmarked a Special Race Day in aid of the Cancer Hospital and this is just one example of our committed solidarity to Charity. In fact, charity will be an ongoing association and not just a one off affair,” noted Wood addressing an audience which included President of the Sri Lanka Cancer society Tony Angi.

The opening day of the season, Saturday 6 August, will be in aid of the Cancer Hospital Charity, while a still-to-be-disclosed A-list Hollywood celebrity will also be present for the commencement of the new season. Saturday 17 September, meanwhile, will host a ‘Ladies Day’, where the RTC hopes to have a lady ride. Other notable days will see Deepawali celebrated on Saturday 29 October, Saturday 5 November will see a Guy Fawkes theme with special activities for children, and Saturday 10 December will host the Christmas Cup Meeting.

First-ever horse auction to be held in SL

For the first time in Sri Lanka, the Royal Turf Club will be conducting a horse auction following the commencement of the new racing season on 6 August. The RTC will be producing a catalogue of the horses from India, which will include details of their breeding and racing calibre.

Dr. Hasneyn Mirza, a leading Veterinarian Surgeon from India, will inspect the horses and ensure that they are in perfect health.

“We shall produce a catalogue of all the horses who have been given a clean bill of health by Dr. Mirza, who not only inspected them but also took x-rays of their legs.

“The auctions will also be conducted under the strict supervision of vet as well as animal welfare authorities,” assured RTC CEO Wayne Wood.

Dr. Mirza will also be overlooking the establishment of an Equine Hospital. The hospital, which will be the only one of its kind in Sri Lanka, will cover an area of roughly quarter of an acre and will consist of an operating theatre, recovery room, and x-ray and scoping rooms.

“We have been extremely fortunate to have had the expertise of Dr. Mirza to guide us in designing the hospital as he has done for race clubs in India,” added Wood.

The hospital will be run on the basis of voluntary payment, and Dr. Jeyentrabalaji Thangaraj will take over the duties of Resident Vet from July, with training also to be provided for veterinary students from the Veterinary Faculty in Peradeniya.