B R Sharan Kumar

  Usha Stud Farm: A Legacy in 'Grit, Grace, & Glory’   By Sharan Kumar The saga of Usha Stud Farm, a veritable epitome of excellence in the realm of horse breeding, immortalized within the pages of "Grit, Grace, & Glory." This opulent coffee table tome traces the remarkable journey of Usha, from its humble origins in the backyard of Maj P K Mehra to its exalted status as the premier nursery of champion Thoroughbreds in India.   With unwavering determination and a commitment to excellence, Usha Stud Farm has etched its name in history, claiming the coveted title of Champion Stud Farm for a record number of years including winning on the last three occasions consecutively. Through foresight and strategic planning, the farm continuously imports elite stallions, ensuring an unbroken lineage of greatness and safeguarding its position at the zenith of the equestrian world.   Central to its unparalleled success is Usha's innate ability to discern stalli

  BTC is in dire need of leadership amidst critical times   By Sharan Kumar Once graced by the titans of yore, the Bangalore Turf Club now finds itself in the clutches of one Aravind Raghavan, the self-proclaimed master of chaos. Picture this: Raghavan, the maestro of mayhem, orchestrating strikes like a maestro conducting a symphony, culminating in Derby's cancellation – a feat never before seen in the annals of racing history. It's baffling that someone like Raghavan, whose avowed mission was the club's demise, could ascend to the chairmanship. He denigrated club members until he joined the ranks and now, incredulously, holds a permanent invitation from the Turf Authorities of India. Moreover, he has no qualms about fostering illegal betting, and courting sponsorship from illicit platforms, thus jeopardizing legal betting operations. The Bangalore Winter Season draws to a close, marred by poor stiping and rank bad decisions. Instead of upholding the integrity of

 Hilarious Odyssey Through Hoops, Hurdles, and Horseplay   By Storm Again     So, you want to become a member of the Bangalore Turf Club, huh? Buckle up for a ride wilder than a racehorse on espresso! First off, if you aren’t born into one of those fancy-schmancy families already in the club, get ready for a quest that makes Frodo's journey to Mordor look like a walk in the park.   You'll need to scale mountains of hurdles, endure enough humiliation to make a reality TV star blush, and beg for votes like a politician during election season. Oh, and don't forget to butter up some existing members with gifts, whether it's booze or cold hard cash – their preference varies, but their arrogance stays constant.   And hosting a shindig? Better have the right snacks from the right hotels, or you'll be out on your derrière faster than you can say "canapé catastrophe."   Then comes the grand finale – the interview. They'll grill you like a

  Nari Contractor: From cricketing courage to racing resilience   By Sharan Kumar   Celebrating his 90th birthday, the legendary former Indian cricket captain, Nari Contractor, stands as a beacon of courage and resilience. Renowned for his daring strokes on the cricket field, Contractor's journey took a dramatic turn when a thunderous bouncer from West Indian speedster Griffith struck him square on the head during India's tour of the West Indies in 1962. In the backdrop of primitive medical facilities in the year, Contractor's survival was nothing short of miraculous. The cricketing fraternity rallied around him, with luminaries like West Indian skipper Frank Worrell, alongside Chandu Borde, Bapu Nadkarni, Poli Umrigar, and journalist K N Prabhu, donating blood to sustain him during his six-day unconscious state.   Despite his courageous return to first-class cricket after the harrowing injury, Nari Contractor's heart harboured a lingering regret: the unfulf

   Revived and ready RCTC set to defy odds By Sharan Kumar The Royal Calcutta Turf Club will host the prestigious HPSL Gr 1 Indian Turf Invitation Cup, regarded as the champion of champions event in the Indian Racing Calendar. Despite facing existential challenges at the onset of last year, including delayed monsoon season due to various issues, the club has remarkably recovered. Initially uncertain about hosting the Invitation Cup weekend races due to significant expenses, the club has displayed remarkable resilience. Now, they are orchestrating what promises to be an extravagant week of racing, ensuring a memorable experience for racing enthusiasts both on and off the track. Known for their generosity and hospitality, the RCTC has always been accommodating to the needs of all segments of the racing community. Led by RCTC Chairman Sudipto Sarkar, Racing Operations Chairman Enrico Piperno, and CEO Amit Chaturvedi, along with their dedicated team, the Royal Calcutta Turf Club ha