RTC’s new horseracing season bursts out the gates in Nuwara Eliya

By Cyrus J. Madan

The glorious uncertainty of the sport of racing has a worthy compatriot in the town of Nuwara Eliya - the weather. Both can be as fickle and unpredictable as the other and you would probably need a photo finish to determine the winner on any given race day at the Royal Turf Club (RTC).

But Saturday (20 August) dawned bright and clear, with the sun shining on the racecourse and all of Nuwara Eliya. It was almost as if the weather gods were excited about the start of the new racing season, conducted under the auspices of the RTC. The day’s events featured a card of six races followed by an auction sale of thoroughbreds.

Proceedings kicked off with the inauguration of the newly-built Saddling Enclosure - yet another achievement in improving the infrastructure of the RTC. And then it was down to some really competitive racing backed by superb entertainment.

The first race of the afternoon for the Victoria Turf Club Cup saw Stormy Petrel burst out of the gates and after that there was no looking back. The mare sported the colours of Anjali Stables and was trained by S.V. Madialingam and ridden by A. Vishwanath.

The race for the Sugathadasa Stadium Cup had excitement even before the start thanks to a colt named Stockwell, who did a Houdini act by getting out of the gates after being stalled and then bolting. He was subsequently withdrawn and it was left to Don Hasa from the Selvaratnam Stable who won effortlessly from end to end.

The Sports Ministry Challenge Cup competition came up next and it was easy picking for Charlemagne who gave the Anjali Stables of owner James Matthew a super double. Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara gave away the trophy to the winner.

The RTC Auction Sale Trophy was up next and the first ever auction sale of thoroughbreds involved 15 Indian horses. Indian Epic was the choice and he did it in style to become the fourth winner in succession to win from start to finish. Owned by Isira Dassanayake, Indian Epic was trained by S.D. Lalith and ridden by C. Umesh.

The RTC Nuwara Eliya Cup for Sri Lankan breeds was won effortlessly by Airborne II and then in the last race for the RTC Winners Trophy, which was also for Sri Lankan breeds, City Shot darted to the front and never looked back to claim an easy win.