RTC, with a new committee, to hold 15 events in 2022
Royal Turf Club (RTC) is on the verge making necessary arrangements to draw its event plan for the year 2022, after most sport events were forced to abandon during this year. Currently sports events in Sri Lanka are gradually making a comeback after several lockdowns and health related issues caused cancellation of most events due to COVID-19, and horse racing is one sport that has made several attempts to hold events, but failed.
RTC President -- Panduka Keerthinanda
Ryota Hakariya, Secretary
“We were keen to hold events, but then it was obvious that things were beyond our control. The whole country was affected by the pandemic and now it’s glad to see we are in a position to make a comeback,” stated Nisitha Rupasinghe, the Treasurer of RTC.
RTC held five events during 2021, including the RTC Governor’s Cup and the RTC Magic Million Cup — two of the most sought-after horse racing events of the country. But since June, Sri Lanka’s only governing entity for horse racing, was forced to abandon its event calendar, mainly due to the pandemic, which caused restrictions in gatherings and travelling between provinces.
As a result, RTC had to abandon five events that were scheduled to be held during 2021. With the dampening weather adding more woes to its day-to-day operations at the Racecourse in Nuwara Eliya, RTC has made viable plans for the year 2022.
“We took this duration to make our future plans and come up with an active event calendar. There are 15 racedays lined up for 2022 covering each month. RTC will work closely with the health and other relevant officials to make sure these events are held under proper guidelines owing the situation of the country,” Rupasinghe further explained.
The races will start from January 16 for the year of 2022
During the short hold up of events this year, RTC took the time to regroup and appoint its honorary office bearers for the coming tenure. Former President and legal advisor, Panduka Keerthinanda will take reigns of RTC, as its sixth President while horse race enthusiast Ryota Hakariya has been elected as the secretary. Nisitha Rupasinghe will continue as Treasurer with Ranjan Paranavithana and Refhan Razeen as Committee Members. The ever-dynamic Cyrus J. Madan will continue his duties as the Chief Stipendiary Steward in addition to Sinclair Marshall, who will be is the Senior Stipendiary Steward.
“it’s a very good team that we have got to serve RTC this time around. We must also thank those who were part of RTC, as well as our sponsors, who had been with us right throughout to maintain the quality of this lovely sport of horse racing. We have had inquiries from many, including enthusiasts, horse owners and potential sponsors, who are willing to support us during the coming season. It’s very inspiring,” Rupasinghe added. The confirmed event calendar for 2022 will be released by RTC no sooner they receive the endorsement from the higher authority, with a packed lineup of racedays. RTC has firmly reserved April 16 of 2022 for Governor’s Cup, followed by April 23rd for the Magic Million Cup. These two events are besides the remaining 13 racedays, that will be named according to confirmation of sponsors.
RTC Chief Stipendiary Steward, Cyrus Madan (centre) will continue to in his position to inspire local officials and stakeholders as usual