Horseracing industry in India survives pandemic as Sri Lanka gears for return
Cyrus J. Madan
Cyrus J. Madan, who possesses a truly impressive curriculum vitae in horseracing, a sport that has been termed and identified as ‘game of skills’ in his country, India, strongly believes that Sri Lanka has the potential to transform the century old leisure sport to a professional industry. Madan, a former sports journalist, race commentator and an administrator who led the Royal Calcutta Turf Club for five years since 2007, has a wealth of knowledge and is a contributor to the Royal Turf Club (RTC) of Sri Lanka.
Madan joined RTC since its initiative as consultant and currently the Chairman of Stipendiary Stewards, is happy to see that plans are afoot to have horseracing back in action by end of this month and he recommends that the local club based in Nuwara Eliya, should treat the comeback as a brand new start.
“To get something started from scratch is an arduous task in itself. To see it virtually shut down and then restart it all over again is even harder. Whatever was built up is gone and you’re left wondering where to begin. Infrastructure, which was in place will need an overhaul. Whether licensed professionals and race worthy horses are still around is another cause of concern. Getting the administration back in place and working will take time,” commented Madan, from India via an email interview.
In India, as Madan explains, horseracing has virtually turned into an industry where over 1000s of individuals have turned professional through different facets. Despite being the second in the world with most number of COVID-19 cases behind the USA, India is gradually welcoming back sports activities, with horseracing being one of them.
“After a closure of almost eight months due to the pandemic, Indian racing gradually began clawing its way back. Initially it was behind closed doors without spectators. But that has now opened up and spectators are being allowed in. The race clubs have taken a huge hit during the lockdown and most clubs have slashed stake money of some races and also reduced the number of racedays. Fortunately horseracing in India is virtually an industry in itself and hence clubs, professionals and owners have managed to sustain. The biggest plus that has emerged from the ashes is permission to certain clubs to have online betting sanctioned by their respective State Governments. This will definitely help and could be a game changer,” Madan revealed.
Likewise, Madan stated, that Sri Lanka should focus more importantly on the funding and how the government looks upon the sport, if horseracing is to have a proper base again. The RTC is based in Nuwara Eliya, where Sri Lanka’s only remaining racecourse is located.
Madan, a professional who has been involved with horseracing since 1978, has vast experience on the trade he is involved in and has visited racecourses around the globe. He rated the Nuwara Eliya venue as a “superbly laid out and put together” racetrack with some very well designed stables and more space to build even more.
“They have had the right people administering the sport. Funding and popularising it is the fulcrum which will decide whether racing will survive.”
As of now, the RTC is in the process of conducting its main events held annually with the all-important Governor’s Cup and the popular Magic Million Cup included in a tentative calendar of four racedays. The season will herald with a mock race expected to give the much needed warm-up for horses and jockeys weeks prior to the first raceday.
The local club authorised to govern horseracing in the country is currently making all necessary prior arrangements to obtain clearance and adhere to protocols for the forthcoming season, which will be held under the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Sports and Ministry of Health.