Impossible logistical circus, says Dr Gowda
Dr K M Srinivasa Gowda is the face of Bangalore Turf Club’s campaign to persuade the government to extend the lease beyond December 31, 2009. BTC is expected to vacate its premises and move its operations to Mysore till such time the new infrastructure comes up. Dr Gowda spoke about his apprehensions, the economic ruin that the government’s move will wreak on the racing industry in India and the displacement of thousands of families dependent on racing for livelihood in an interview with DNA Excerpts:
Why is Chief Minister Yeddyurappa so adamant about shifting the race course? Is he against racing?
The Chief Minister has said that he is not against racing and said racing activities can be relocated to Mysore till such time the new race course is built. He is prepared to extend all help in this regard. However he is adamant and does not want to hear about the economic ramifications and displacement the immediate shifting is going to have on the racing industry. He says that he has a vision for Bangalore and in the scheme of things that he has in his mind, acquiring BTC land is high on his priority to execute his plans and as such, he says he is not willing to consider any extension beyond December 31.
How difficult is it to relocate to Mysore in the intervening period?
It is going to be herculean task.. To begin with, the infrastructure at Mysore is inadequate. The Chief Minister may have promised additional land for building stables but then about 1000 stables are still to be built. It is a huge ask as Mysore Race Club is yet to get the additional land needed for this purpose. Mysore Race Club is a small racing centre, suitable for only about 500 horses. The track can not take too much of racing as it is narrow and cannot be used right through the year. Also racing in Bangalore is the best in the country and the stakes are attractive. Bangalore Turf Club has a turnover of over Rs 1,000 Crores which is because of the present location. If the entire race course has to be vacated, then where will the club conduct is betting operations? If they are keen to take the land, at least the buildings should be allowed to stay with us till the new race course comes up so that we can continue to generate enough money to build the infrastructure. If revenue comes down, even the question of raising funds for the new infrastructure will itself come into question.
If Bangalore has to close racing for a few years, what impact it will have on the sport all over the country?
All turf clubs are interdependent. Race clubs make money by conducting off course betting and lose on their own racing. If Bangalore racing were to close down for a few years, the entire racing industry in India will go down. Bangalore is one of the most popular racing centres in the country. The turf clubs in the country are just about raising enough revenue to keep the sport going. Without the benefit of income form conducting off course betting on Bangalore, all clubs, including Mysore Race Club, will suffer severe financial losses which may spell the death knell of the sport as well as the breeding industry itself.
What steps has the club taken to plead its case with the government?
The turf club and its individual members are meeting influential members of the society to request the government to give us some reprieve. We have also met the Chief Minister a few times. We are agreeable to shift but all that we are asking for is reasonable time to build the new infrastructure. We are seeking an extension of lease by about two years, clear title to the land that the government is proposing to give and tax holiday for seven years. We propose to repay the taxes once we are back on sound economic footing.
How do you foresee the future?
The situation appears bleak at the moment. Several of the politicians we have spoken to have been sympathetic to our cause though they have not been able to influence the Chief Minister in a significant way. We will continue our struggle for survival. In the meanwhile, a committee consisting of BTC representatives, race horse owners, trainers and jockeys is being formed to take the matter forward.
Why is Chief Minister Yeddyurappa so adamant about shifting the race course? Is he against racing?
The Chief Minister has said that he is not against racing and said racing activities can be relocated to Mysore till such time the new race course is built. He is prepared to extend all help in this regard. However he is adamant and does not want to hear about the economic ramifications and displacement the immediate shifting is going to have on the racing industry. He says that he has a vision for Bangalore and in the scheme of things that he has in his mind, acquiring BTC land is high on his priority to execute his plans and as such, he says he is not willing to consider any extension beyond December 31.
How difficult is it to relocate to Mysore in the intervening period?
It is going to be herculean task.. To begin with, the infrastructure at Mysore is inadequate. The Chief Minister may have promised additional land for building stables but then about 1000 stables are still to be built. It is a huge ask as Mysore Race Club is yet to get the additional land needed for this purpose. Mysore Race Club is a small racing centre, suitable for only about 500 horses. The track can not take too much of racing as it is narrow and cannot be used right through the year. Also racing in Bangalore is the best in the country and the stakes are attractive. Bangalore Turf Club has a turnover of over Rs 1,000 Crores which is because of the present location. If the entire race course has to be vacated, then where will the club conduct is betting operations? If they are keen to take the land, at least the buildings should be allowed to stay with us till the new race course comes up so that we can continue to generate enough money to build the infrastructure. If revenue comes down, even the question of raising funds for the new infrastructure will itself come into question.
If Bangalore has to close racing for a few years, what impact it will have on the sport all over the country?
All turf clubs are interdependent. Race clubs make money by conducting off course betting and lose on their own racing. If Bangalore racing were to close down for a few years, the entire racing industry in India will go down. Bangalore is one of the most popular racing centres in the country. The turf clubs in the country are just about raising enough revenue to keep the sport going. Without the benefit of income form conducting off course betting on Bangalore, all clubs, including Mysore Race Club, will suffer severe financial losses which may spell the death knell of the sport as well as the breeding industry itself.
What steps has the club taken to plead its case with the government?
The turf club and its individual members are meeting influential members of the society to request the government to give us some reprieve. We have also met the Chief Minister a few times. We are agreeable to shift but all that we are asking for is reasonable time to build the new infrastructure. We are seeking an extension of lease by about two years, clear title to the land that the government is proposing to give and tax holiday for seven years. We propose to repay the taxes once we are back on sound economic footing.
How do you foresee the future?
The situation appears bleak at the moment. Several of the politicians we have spoken to have been sympathetic to our cause though they have not been able to influence the Chief Minister in a significant way. We will continue our struggle for survival. In the meanwhile, a committee consisting of BTC representatives, race horse owners, trainers and jockeys is being formed to take the matter forward.
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