---

Horse Racing setback with 10 jockeys testing positive for COVID-19

Back in July, the State government gave in-principle approval to Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) to conduct online betting and open its digital doors. As we know this COVID-19 pandemic has not only infected around 188 countries, but it has also left businesses across the world down the slope and everybody’s eyes are focused on the recovery of the losses.

BTC attempted to host an eight day racing season in September and October as the Summer Season races were cancelled. On Monday, 10 jockey’s were tested positive for COVID-19 from a total of 55 jockey’s as it was made mandatory for them to get a license for the upcoming racing seasons. 

Pradeep Chouhan, President of the Jockeys Association of India, confirmed that several of its members had tested positive for the deadly virus. He further added, “The association was in the process of taking a COVID-19 insurance to cover the jockeys and their families.” New rules were set by the club as the process to resume racing began, ensuring all preparations for the races and safety of the staff and jockeys were in order. 

BTC announced that the outer track stand, which is used to prepare the horses for racing, was ready and they were only waiting for the formalities of licensing of jockeys to be completed. Since many of the jockeys were tested positive and have visited the office for licensing formalities, The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) authorities have sealed the office and sanitized the place. With more than 800 horses based at the club, racehorse owners have spent more than INR 15 crore towards maintenance of the horses in the absence of racing.

The BTC has extended Basic Maintenance Credit for two months. However, the request for subsidy from the race owners hasn’t been considered favourable since the club is under financial strain. The BTC has also  applied for the licence to conduct racing but it is yet to receive any information in this regard from the government.  For more updates on Horse racing and sports betting, keep reading GutshotMagazine.com

---

---

More News

---