Thoroughbreds to storm Nuwara Eliya tracks again
View(s):
Champion horse Alcazaba has remained undefeated in the recent couple of horseracing seasons, and will be the cynosure this coming season too
After a long lapse of nearly 10 months, the Royal Turf Club (RTC) is gearing up to host its annual gala of triple events during the upcoming Horse Racing Season in Nuwara Eliya. Accordingly, RTC has earmarked three racedays, beginning from March 31 with the RTC Spring and Summer Race Cup.
For the March event is expected to act as a forerunner for the two remaining mega events that are planned during the April Holidays — the RTC Governor’s Cup and the RTC Magic Million Cup. The March 31 raceday will be RTC’s first event after nearly 10 months, as races were forced to be delayed by weather conditions, which resulted a damped race track.
However after observing continuously for weeks and months, the RTC has finalised three racedays from March 31. On April 15, a day after the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, RTC will hold the ever popular 148th Governor’s Cup and Queen’s Cup on the same day followed by the RTC Magic Million on April 21.
Last season the RTC made plans to hold four racedays during the holiday season, but they were able to hold three of those successfully with the fourth event being forced to call off due to adverse weather. They even made efforts to hold races later in 2018, but could not accomplish due to unsupportive weather conditions.
The dull period of over 10 months was utilised by the RTC to gather momentum and draw new action plans for the upcoming season, which they term as memorable racedays. Even the 60 odd thoroughbred horses and its 11 stable owners had to face a tough period during the event draught to maintain their runners in perfect condition.
“We are keen to see events finally coming back to the Racecourse in Nuwara Eliya, it’s also pleasing to see our existing partners willingly coming to support us continuously. At the same time it’s overwhelming to see new partners joining in as sponsors for races. We are keeping our fingers cross with excitement to see three eventful racedays happening,” Nishitha Rupasinghe, the Treasurer of RTC stated.
Presently the RTC is making all arrangements and are laying out the action plans to hold its first race due to take place on the last Sunday of March. According to the organisers, the RTC has lined up five races where over 50 thoroughbred horses are schedule to compete.