Long term contract will be a blessing to develop horseracing – RTC
As part of the Nuwara Eliya Development Committee, a special sub-committee has been designated to oversee the development of the racecourse in Nuwara Eliya, the only existing such facility in the country. It is understood that veteran hotelier Hiran Cooray and Sunela Jayawardena, a renowned architect, are part of this committee, which will look into the facility that has been managed and maintained by Royal Turf Club (RTC).
The newly formed committee is said to have been created to look into the possibilities of further bolstering horseracing and to promote Nuwara Eliya as a destination in the likes of sports tourism. RTC took over the racecourse in Nuwara Eliya in 2015, and have developed the property on par with international standards.
“We have been educated about this but we are yet to have a discussion with the committee. Anything that will be in favour of developing horseracing and the racecourse are welcome signs and we will gladly assist the exercise,” stated Panduka Keerthinanda, the President of RTC.
After the takeover of RTC in 2015 on a 10-year lease, RTC upgraded the existing areas such as the track, grandstand, special enclosures, paddock and saddling areas, jockey and steward rooms, office, stables and roadways within the racecourse. However, the contract was abruptly cancelled after few years, despite the substantial investment made. As a result the race meets were limited from a long list to the most important ones, such as the Governor’s Cup, Queen’s Cup, Magic Million Cup, Spring and Summer Cup, Independence Cup, and to seasonal events that are being held annually.
“RTC has to date maintained the facilities that are officially under our peripheral, but sadly the club is not responsible to the centre area of the racecourse. The new committee should try to make maximum use of that area and utilize it for a cause that is worth,” added Keerthinanda.
The racecourse (pictured) and the areas maintained by RTC (marked in green)
The number of thoroughbred horses, which was used to tally over 150, has been limited to 50 currently due to certain restrains. RTC had the intention of increasing the number, but the high cost involved in bringing over and the maintenance of the thoroughbred horses have been hampering the club’s vision after the agreement between Ministry of Sports and RTC ceased prematurely.
“It would be great to have a long term lease, and we could start up a stud farm in the centre part of the racecourse, as we have been planning for years. It’s a known fact that horseracing is a glamourous sport, but in other countries it’s an industry. Our intention was that, but it has now faced a setback, which we consider is temporary,” stated Nisitha Rupasinghe, the Treasurer of RTC.
At present RTC maintains the racecourse and the facilities managed by them within the agreed areas with a limited staff, without any returns. The club has also discussed with potential foreign investors who are willing to transform horseracing into an industry, and add professionalism into the sport. RTC has been in constant contact with officials of the Ministry of Sports on and off, but are not in a position to plan further due to lack of a long term contract.
“What we expect is a clear guideline, as to which areas come under us and the period, preferably for a period of at least 20 years or more. Results will come, but it takes time. RTC should be able to contribute to the country’s economy through sports tourism and other modes. If something can be done sooner than later, we can think of a win-win plan where there will be clear returns to all parties involved, including the employees,” Ryota Hakariya, the Secretary of RTC elaborated.