Date confirmed for RTC Governor’s Cup 2023
Royal Turf Club (RTC) is making necessary arrangements for the upcoming Horse Racing Festival for the year 2023, with at least seven race days on the cards. The list of race days and its allocated dates and titles are yet to be determined, but according to confirmed reports, the date has been confirmed for the RTC Governor’s Cup 2023, which has been noted as April 15th next year at the Racecourse in Nuwara Eliya.
RTC has already identified the race days, but only confirmed the date for the prestigious Governor’s Cup, an important sporting event eagerly anticipated by horseracing lovers and holiday makers during the annual April Holiday Seasons in Nuwara Eliya. The last race day to host by RTC was the RTC Race Day on April 30th, where the Edwards Stables swept the board, winning all four races.
Since then, the inclement weather coupled by the political turmoil of the country stood in the way of holding race days, despite RTC’s few failed attempts during July, August and September. But it is highly likely that a comprehensive and competitive racing calendar will be released for the upcoming season, soon after all logistics are properly placed.
“The weather actually has stood in our way, and we are hoping to kick-start the race days with a mock race day, so that all runners and riders will be able to regain momentum. As of now, inclement weather conditions are not in favour of us,” revealed Nisitha Rupasinghe, the Treasurer of RTC.
In 2021 too, RTC had to abandon five events that were scheduled and dampening weather added more woes to its day-to-day operations at the Racecourse in Nuwara Eliya. Despite the conditions improved during March and April this year, where four complete race days were held, RTC has made viable plans for the year 2023.
“Work at the Nuwara Eliya Racecourse is continuing as usual, and we are gearing up quite well before announcing the upcoming season’s calendar. But the RTC Committee has already approved the date for the prestigious Governor’s Cup 2023, which we are sure will be an exciting race day,” confirmed Ryota Hakariya, the Secretary of RTC.
As last season Indian experts in horse racing will be a part of the upcoming RTC Horse Racing Season 2023. Senior stalwart Cyrus J. Madan will continue his responsibilities as the Chairman of Stipendiary Stewards of RTC, while B.J. Shyam continues as Handicapper and Steward.
Last season, RTC completed a squeezed racing calendar, with the Governor’s Cup and Magic Million Cup taking the centre stage.
Sri Lanka’s most celebrated racing horse, Alcazaba, won her third RTC Governor’s Cup title, in her last run before retirement, a feat earlier only achieved by Double Eagle in the early 2000s. Nippon Paint partnered with RTC as main sponsor for the Governor’s Cup 2022.