Summer races to begin on May 17

Bangalore, May 15 (UNI) Around 740 horses and some from outstation are expected to take part in the 26 day summer meeting of the Bangalore Turf Club from May 17.

Disclosing this to newsmen here BTC Chairman and Senior Steward Jayant Shah said about 860 horses are stabled in the premises including 126 horses from the outstation. Totally there would be 210 races during the meeting, he added saying that two foreign Jockeys Wayne Smith and Ms Liza Jones would be participating apart from 100 Indian Jockeys.

Replying to questions he said the estimated outlay for the season would be Rs 12.60 crores over 26 days covering stakes and incentives as compared to Rs 11.10 crores paid last summer over 26 days.

He said the Kingfisher Derby would be sponsored as in last summer with an added money of Rs 60 lakhs inclusive of the Club's contribution of Rs 30 lakhs as against the added money of Rs 50 lakhs last summer. It would be increased to Rs 1.5 crores during the next summer, he added.

He announced that BTC had appointed Fin Powrie as the Racing Advisor effective April one last for two years. He would be responsible for matters including training of racing officials and advising Stewards of the club on racing control matters.

UNI SR HVB1405