Tragedy at Bangalore Turf Club: Young Lives Cut Short
By Sharan Kumar
A heartbreaking incident unfolded at the Bangalore
Turf Club on Thursday, exposing the risks that young, inexperienced horses face
when thrust too soon into unfamiliar and congested environments.
In a chilling accident outside the underground
stables, a group of two-year-olds panicked while being rolled in the evening.
One youngster from a neighbouring stable reportedly broke loose, triggering
mass terror among the others. Their syces, caught off guard, were unable to
restrain them as the frightened animals bolted blindly into danger. One crashed
into the retaining wall, others fell or collided, leading to devastating
injuries. Two had to be euthanized after suffering irreparable fractures; two
more are under treatment for serious injuries and the others for bruises, their
future on the racetrack uncertain.
These were no ordinary horses—they were highly valued,
beautifully bred prospects, reportedly under the care of trainer Darius
Byramji, who has himself been mourning the tragic recent loss of his wife and
fellow trainer, Parvati Byramji. The accident was described as unprecedented in
its scale and horror, a freak occurrence unlike anything seen before on the
premises. But even “freak” accidents often reveal deeper systemic risks.
These two-year-olds were newly relocated from the
freedom of sprawling stud farms to the cramped, bustling racecourse
environment—a jarring transition that can leave them vulnerable to panic and
injury if not carefully managed. Such tragedies are grim reminders of the
responsibility the industry bears to protect these animals from avoidable harm.
Sadly, this isn’t an isolated case of equine loss.
Just last week, another horse reared in the paddock, fell backward onto his
head, and was later euthanized. Yet another collapsed and died during morning
workouts three days ago. Another one at the bund school. On race days, the
sight of horses returning with burst blood vessels is all too common, a sign of
the intense strain placed on animals that may not be fully fit or sound.
While current regulations mandate retiring horses that
bleed in three consecutive races, there’s a pressing need to reevaluate whether
that goes far enough. Should we really be racing horses already compromised in
health, risking their lives for sport?
There is also a shortage of experienced syces to care
for horses. With manpower at a premium, inexperienced hands are pressed into
service from the start, compromising the horses’ upbringing. The Turf Club has
no system to provide proper orientation or training for new syces. Some stables
reportedly cut costs by understaffing, jeopardizing the safety of both horses
and handlers.
Do the club’s administrators even ask why such
accidents happen? Years ago, they promised to replace asbestos roofing with
safer puff sheets—has that work been completed? Meanwhile, stable sizes remain
too cramped for horses to move comfortably, betraying basic animal-welfare
principles. Meanwhile, the stables themselves are “time-warped”—dilapidated,
outdated, and too cramped for horses to move comfortably, betraying even the
most basic principles of animal welfare.
Sadly, animal welfare seems to be an afterthought for
those in power. The focus appears to be on winning elections, currying favour
with members, exchanging betting tips, and shielding the pliant by watering
down charges. Will the club ever order a true forensic audit of these appalling
stable conditions?
Many syces also live in overcrowded, unsafe quarters,
exposing themselves to serious health risks. Yet at BTC, issues are routinely
glossed over, and those who speak up risk being barred or otherwise punished.
Even the government-nominated board members, meant to safeguard the sport’s
integrity, often become part of the system once they join the club.
There are, of course, exceptions—one or two
conscientious individuals who still try to uphold standards. But their voices
are often drowned out in a system more interested in optics than
accountability.
Ultimately, these recent tragedies demand not just
mourning but introspection. They serve as a stark call for better care,
stricter safeguards, and a renewed commitment to the welfare of these noble
animals—so that such needless suffering becomes not just rare, but unthinkable.
The Derby will be held on Sunday with all its
attendant pomp. Club members and guests will wine and dine. Meanwhile, the
tragedy of the horses will be quietly brushed aside—a forgotten chapter that
doesn’t trouble anyone’s conscience amid the celebrations.
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