The Hindu : Sport : Indian Turf Invitation Cup weekend inaugurated

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Mar 04, 2005

Sport

Sport

Indian Turf Invitation Cup weekend inaugurated

By Anil Mukhi

CHENNAI, MARCH 3. At a glittering ceremony on the fourth deck of the Dr. M.A.M. Ramaswamy stand of the Madras Race Course at Guindy, the 43rd Indian Turf Invitation Cup weekend was inaugurated here this evening. Fittingly, it was Dr. Ramaswamy himself, Chairman, Turf Authorities of India, who lit the lamp. He was accompanied by Mr. R. Surender Reddy, Chairman, Hyderabad Race Club, Mr. Shivlal Daga, Chairman of the Stewards, Royal Western India Turf Club Ltd., and Dr. K. Srinivasa Gowda, Chairman, Bangalore Turf Club Ltd.

A few moments later, Dr. Ramaswamy unveiled a plaque commemorating the event. Interestingly, the hall was bedecked with 42 sets of racing colours, one apiece bearing the silks of each of the previous winners of the Invitation Cup. There was an element of nostalgia in once again getting an opportunity of seeing famous livery such as that of Al. M. Muthukaruppan Chettiar, Rani P.K. Devi Rana and T.G. Gaokar, to name a few.

Thereafter, the declarations for the 16 races on Saturday and Sunday were read out, and the draw for starting gate positions made. The draw was of particular interest to the connections of The Hindu Sprinters Cup, as it is virtually certain to have an impact on the result. For the record, Rosmini (14) and Slanka (15) were hung out to dry with the washing, so to speak, being drawn on the extreme outside of the field.

The programme was hosted by leading commentator, Cyrus J. Madan, with his customary panache.

On behalf of the Turf Authorities, Dr. Ramaswamy took the opportunity of thanking all the sponsors, including The Hindu, Poonawalla Stud Farms, Usha Stud & Agricultural Farms Pvt. Ltd., Capricorn-Chanhill Stud Farms, The Manjri Stud Farm Pvt. Ltd., Sans Craintes Stud Farm, General Motors, Nalli Silks, Rathas Garments, The Chennai Silks, SAK Group, Le Royal Meridien, ASV Group of Companies, the Ghatala Group, Northern India Breeders, Mysore Race Club Ltd., and Delhi Race Club (1940) Ltd.

He was particularly grateful to the members of the Madras Race Club who have collectively contributed a sum of Rs. 75 lakhs to make this weekend a great success.

A colourful souvenir, produced on behalf of the Madras Race Club by Mr. P.M. Anthony and his son Paul, was released on the occasion.

A short audiovisual on the city of Chennai, compiled, produced and edited by Mr. S.N. Harish, was displayed. Thereafter a few select bookmakers indicated likely odds for the principal events of the weekend. The function concluded with a sumptuous dinner.

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