The impasse between the State Government and the Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) over shifting the race course from the heart of the city, has reared again nearly six years after the last serious trouble when racing activities had come to a standstill in the city. With the Government refusing to renew the monthly betting licence since August 1, the future for the BTC remains grim.
While two racing days that remained to be completed from the summer racing season have been cancelled already, the off-course betting for the races being held in Pune and Hyderabad did not take place. The fate of off-course betting for Kolkata and Delhi races scheduled later this month hangs in balance as much as the off-course betting for races in Mysuru, Chennai, and Mumbai that are also scheduled to start later. The winter racing season in Bengaluru normally starts in November. The off-course betting is a big revenue earner for the club.
