|
|
More than hundreds years ago, the rulers of Mysore State started
horse racing in Mysore City and the Mysore Race Club continued
the tradition putting Mysore city on the Racing map of India.
Sri. Chamariaja Wadiyar who was the ruler, started racing in
Mysore. |
|
The Royal family of Mysore, benevolent and munificent to the
extreme and imbued with a vision far ahead of times, laid the
foundation of the Race course at the foot of the Chamundi Hills.
The choice could not have been better. With the Chamundi Hills
in the background, the Race course is a sheer 'beauty' and 'a
joy for ever'. It is a sight for the gods to see. The human eye
could yearn for nothing more. A diamond and an immaculate one at
that, has been beautifully set and the jeweler has given the
finishing touches. Few race courses in the world could match its
breath-taking setting. |
|
There is a slight resemblance to the Santa Anita Race Course in
California. If the San Gabriela Mountain adds to the elegance of
Santa Anita, Chamundi adds at this end. |
|
The benevolent Ruler H.H.Sri Chamaraja Wadiyar of Mysore State,
started the sport of horse racing in the then capital city of
Mysore, near the present Jayachamarajendra College of
Engineering, then known as Kebbe Katte Bungalow. The Races used
to be held during the Birthday celebrations of the ruler. |
|
The patrons were His Highness The Maharaja of Mysore and Sir Oliver St.
John. |
|
Racing continued till 1920 in the Kebbe Katte Bunglow. Then a
new Race Course was built by H.H Sri Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar
who was a great sportsman and also lover of race horses and
owned many race horses himself, along with his brother H.H. Sri
Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wadiyar. Several trainers like Sri
Krishna Rao, Sri Pootannaih were training horses for the Royal
family. The present Race Course occupying nearly 152 acres with
a magnificent stand, Paddock complex and the office building,
first and second enclosures with a Polo ground in the center of
the Race course, the oval shaped Race Track (designed by an Australian
Engineer) with unique features of drainage facilities, was built
by the ruler.
Regular horse racing, Gymkhana Racing and Polo matches took
place in the present Race course. The races were held for 6 days
which was affiliated to Royal Calcutta Turf Club. All the Race
Clubs in Southern India were affiliated to Royal Calcutta Turf
Club, which was in turn affiliated to Jockey Club of England. |
|
The first Chairman was Sri. S.V. Subramaniam who tried to revive
both Horse Racing and Gymkhana Racing after the registration of
the club. |
|
The Mysore Race Club conducts Intervenue Betting on almost all
the centers of Racing in India - mainly Bangalore, Bombay and
Pune, (Ooty, Madras, Hyderabad and Calcutta). |
