Record stake money offer during BTC races

Bangalore, May 9 (UNI) A record stake money and incentive of Rs 11.5 crore will be offered during the 26-day summer races of the Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) beginning here on May 11.

The amount was 15 per cent more than the previous summer season, BTC Chairman and Senior Steward Marilingaiah told newspersons here.

Among the 900 horses, including 150 from outstation centres like Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkata to be stabled during the season, about 800 were expected to race during the 13-week season.

Top trainers and jockeys from Bangalore and other racing centres would be seen in action. This would include 46 from Bangalore, nine from Hyderabad, four from Mumbai and one from Kolkata. The number of jockeys who would don the silks would be 80, he said.

Timely rainfall has helped organisers to prepare the racetrack to best shape. Inquiries and objections in the races would now be telecasted live, he added.

The crowning event, 'Kingfisher Bangalore Derby' for three-year-old thoroughbreds would be held on July eight. The other classic races included The Fillies Trials Stakes (June ten), The Colts Trial Stakes (June 17), The Maharaja's Cup (July one) and Bangalore St Leger (July 15).

UNI