Horseracing: RTC back in the saddle and galloping from February 25

After a brief recess, the Royal Turf Club (RTC) has made all arrangements to kick off its 2017 Horse Racing season with the Independence Day Race from February 25 at the Nuwara Eliya Racecourse. 

The RTC comes alive after nearly 3 months, since it had its major event in November 2016, with a chain of Race Days planned ahead. 

With the freakish cold climate not offering any assistance for Racing preparations, the RTC was faced with difficulties to keep its scheduled initiatives with alternative moves, prior to next week's race. 

One such initiative was a 'Riding Simulator' (RS) to provide Jockeys and 'newcomers' with riding practices. 

"The Horse and Rider go hand in hand and compliment each other. The RTC was always aware of the importance of nurturing local riding talent and promoting the cause of local Jockeys. You need the right instructors and with the correct equipment in place. The RTC could not have a better man to impart the right knowledge to young aspiring champions, than Indian riding ace Sinclair Marshall, a top Jockey in his own right, who lives and breathes Horses, and still rides out every morning," said an RTC statement. 

The winter chill has seen Nuwara Eliya covered with a layer of frost every morning, prompting Jockeys to practice indoors on the RS. 

But it hasn't deterred the Horses from being exercised on the track every day, as they set about getting ready for the Sinhala New Year’s Racing Season, which kicks off on February 25, and continues till end April. 

"The wealth of knowledge and experience that Sinclair has accumulated over the years is incomparable. He's got the patience and the inclination to teach, and to assist him, the RTC brought in a RS, which the Jockeys have been exercising on to improve their posture, balance and fitness in the art of riding, as well as to finish off their performance in a professional manner. The RS allows budding Jockeys to learn and hone their skills on a machine which simulates the 'movements' of a thoroughbred racehorse at full stretch. Apprentice Jockey Training Schools worldwide have the RS as a mainstay, and now, the RTC joins the ranks of these elite few," the statement added. 

The RS manufacturer, Richard Perham, the Coach at the British Racing School in New Market, UK, says that, whether it is used to teach young riders the art of riding a finish or, for champions to warm up before a race, the RS is a must. 

"These lads are going to be Sri Lanka's Jockeys of the future," Perham said. 
In addition, the RTC has prioritised the welfare of Horses with a ‘wish list’ from Resident Veterinarian Dr. Balaji, as an immediate grant of a state-of-the-art, portable X-ray machine and a Scanner, being the latest additions to the Veterinary Hospital at the RTC facility in Nuwara Eliya. Both equipments will be of tremendous help in diagnosing ailments and injuries of Horses. 

"It will provide Dr. Balaji with just the sort of technical support a good Vet needs to take his practice to an optimum level. To put it in a nutshell, the Horses can expect the very best, when it comes to medical care, which is so very important in keeping Horses in the best of health," the RTC further added. 

After the February 25 Race, the RTC will conduct three important races on April 2, 16 and 29.