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Over 60 horses will be seen in action when the newly-formed Royal Turf Club (RTC) Nuwara Eliya horse races commence on 20 March from 10.30 a.m. onwards at the redeveloped Nuwara Eliya Race Course.
For the first time, over Rs. 2 million would be offered as prize money, while entrance to the races would be free of charge.
Anti-doping procedures too would be introduced at the races while a photo finish system will be installed to ensure accuracy to determine the winner. In addition to this, for the first time after independence, three foreign judges will be invited to take command of the entire racing event. President of the newly-formed RTC Nuwara Eliya Suranjith Premadasa said that these steps have been taken in a bid to ensure fair play and to bring back the glamour and flair of the races which has been absent for several decades.
He said that horseracing is now gaining in popularity and several past owners who had virtually given up the sport are once again entering the event. “In addition, we expect several foreign jockeys also to take part as well.”
Premadasa said that subsequent to the formation of the RTC Nuwara Eliya, steps were taken to improve the dilapidated racecourse which now comes under the purview of the Sugathadasa Stadium management.
“We have taken it on lease for two years and have spent over Rs. 100 million to completely refurbish the race course and renovate all the buildings with new furniture and other equipment.” Accumulated water, electricity and other taxes too were paid which totaled to another Rs. 10 million.”
He said that the 1,700-metre track was re-laid according to international standards, with the garden area being redone as well. “We have also redeveloped the stables area, grand stand, VIP and sponsors’ areas and have even installed a special medical room.”
Premadasa said that the Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara, Minister of Plantations Naveen Dissanayake and the Mayor of Nuwara Eliya are fully behind this event and are supporting them one hundred percent.
RTC CEO Wayne Wood said that they will conduct eight races, with the highest prize money of Rs. 585,000 and a trophy being offered for the first five places of the RTC Premier Cup Class 1, stakes 1600m. The Gamini Dissanayake Memorial Cup along with Rs. 482, 500 plus a trophy will be presented to the first five place getters of this Class 2, Stakes 1400m race. The Class 3 (1,200m) and three-year-old Maiden stakes 1100m races would each be awarded Rs. 387.500 plus a trophy to the winner with prize money distributed to the fifth placed.
