Long-term plan to develop horse racing in Nuwara Eliya-by Chris Dhambarage

Action from a previous horse racing event in Nuwara Eliya

As part of the Nuwara Eliya Development Committee, a special Sub-Committee has been designated to oversee the development of the race course in Nuwara Eliya, the only existing such facility in the country.

Veteran hotelier Hiran Cooray and Sunela Jayawardena, a renowned architect, are part of this committee, which will look into the facility that has been managed and maintained by the Royal Turf Club (RTC).

RTC took over the race course in Nuwara Eliya in 2015 and has developed the property on par with international standards by spending over Rs. 300m. The newly formed committee is said to have been created to look into the possibilities of further bolstering horse racing and to promote Nuwara Eliya as a destination in the likes of sports tourism.

“We have been educated about this, but we are yet to have a discussion with the committee. Anything that will be in favour of developing horse racing and the racecourse are welcome signs and we will gladly assist the exercise,” Panduka Keerthinanda, President, RTC revealed.

After the takeover of RTC in 2015, the facility faced a major facelift. It added up-to-date features to the existing areas such as the track, grandstand, special enclosures, paddock and saddling areas, jockey and steward rooms, office, stables and roadways within the racecourse.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports handed RTC a long-term lease of 10 years, but the contract abruptly ceased after a few years, despite the huge investment made.

As a result, the race meets were limited from a long list to the most important ones, such as the Governor’s Cup, Queen’s Cup, Magic Million Cup, Spring and Summer Cup, Independence Cup, and to seasonal events that are being held annually.

“Nothing can be achieved if we look within a short-term plan. It must be long term and beneficial for all parties involved. RTC has to date maintained the facilities that are officially under our peripheral, but sadly the club is not responsible to the centre area of the racecourse,

which hurts the beauty of our efforts. The new committee should try to make the most of that area and utilize it for a cause that is worthwhile,” added Keerthinanda.

The number of thoroughbred horses, which was used to tally over 150, has been limited to 50 currently due to certain restraints. RTC had the intention of increasing the number, but the high cost involved in bringing over and the maintenance of the thoroughbred horses have been hampering the club’s vision after the agreement between the Ministry of Sports and RTC ceased prematurely.

“It would be great to have a long-term lease, and we could start up a stud farm in the centre part of the racecourse, as we have been planning for years. It’s a known fact that horse racing is a glamorous sport, but in other countries it’s an industry. Our intention was that, but it has now faced a setback, which we consider is temporary,” stated Nisitha Rupasinghe, Treasurer of RTC. Under RTC’s upcoming projects to further develop horse racing, it has plans to increase the number of thoroughbred horses up to 500 to conduct regular race meets and attract more owners.

This is part of many projects lined-up, and if their first phase becomes a reality, RTC’s intention of transforming horse racing into an industry will be able to make its first step.

“If we achieve this, more job opportunities will be created and locals can receive proper training in their chosen fields such as groomers, handlers, stable staff, jockeys and trainers. Currently there are over 200 employed directly or indirectly, but if the numbers increase, we could provide employment to thousands,” Rupasinghe added.

At present RTC maintains the racecourse and the facilities managed by them within the agreed areas with a limited staff, without any returns. The club has also discussed with potential foreign investors who are willing to transform horse racing into an industry and add professionalism into the sport.