The Royal Turf Club (RTC) is in the process of making the necessary arrangements to draw up its Event-Plan for the year 2022, after most sporting events were abandoned during the year due to the Covid 19 pandemic.
Currently sports events in Sri Lanka are gradually making a comeback after several lockdowns and health related issues caused the cancellation of most events and horse racing was one sport that made several attempts to hold events but failed.
“We were keen to hold events, but then it was obvious that things were beyond our control. The whole country was affected by the pandemic and now we are glad to be in a position to make a comeback,” said Nisitha Rupasinghe, the treasurer of RTC.
The RTC held five events during 2021, including the RTC Governor’s Cup and the RTC Magic Million Cup -- two of the most sought-after horse racing events in the country.
But since June, Sri Lanka’s only governing entity for horse racing, was forced to abandon its event calendar, mainly due to the pandemic, which caused restrictions in gatherings and travelling between provinces.
As a result, the RTC had to abandon five events that were scheduled to be held during 2021. With the dampening weather adding more woes to its day-to-day operations at the Racecourse in Nuwara Eliya, the RTC has made viable plans for the year 2022.
“We took this period to make our future plans and come up with an active event calendar. There will be 15 race days lined up for 2022 covering each month and the RTC will work closely with the health and other relevant officials to make sure these events are held under proper guidelines owing the situation of the country,” Rupasinghe further explained.
During the short hold up of events this year the RTC took the time to regroup and appoint its honorary office bearers for the ensuing tenure. Former president and legal advisor, Panduka Keerthinanda will take over the reins of the RTC as its sixth head while horse race enthusiast Ryota Hakariya has been elected as the secretary. Rupasinghe will continue as treasurer with Ranjan Paranavithana and Refhan Razeen as Committee members. Cyrus J. Madan will continue his duties as the Chief Stipendiary Steward in addition to Shaban Shuhaib, the event coordinator.
“It’s a very good team that we have got to serve the RTC this time around. We must also thank those who were part of the RTC, as well as our sponsors, who had been with us right throughout to maintain the quality of this lovely sport of horse racing. We have had inquiries from many, including enthusiasts, horse owners and potential sponsors, who are willing to support us during the coming season. It’s very inspiring,” said Rupasinghe.