The Hindu : Sport / Racing : Horse : BTC clarification

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, May 14, 2006

Sport

Sport - Racing : Horse

BTC clarification

BANGALORE: The Bangalore Turf Club in a press note clarified its stand on the issue of non-renewal of licences by the trainers. The BTC in the press release, emphasised that it is a regulatory body, which regulates the business of racing but neither owns racehorses nor does it train such horses. The press release further stated that under rule 113 of the BTC rules of racing, Trainers are required to obtain licence from the BTC.

The press release also mentioned that the following clause has been incorporated in the licence issued to trainers — "In the event of any employment generated by you in connection with your profession of `horse training' and `stable management', you shall be wholly responsible for all obligations as applicable by law towards such employment and the club shall not be responsible for any employment obligations either directly or indirectly in respect of your workers in connection with your profession in the premises of the club."

"That as a matter of fact, this condition was specified in the licence issued in the month of November 2005 to newly licensed trainers and this insertion has not been done surreptitiously"

"That the above condition has been incorporated to formally reiterate the employer and employee relationship between the trainers and the persons employed by them in connection with the training of horses and stable management."

"That in the licence issued in the past, the above clause was not specifically incorporated. But, as a matter of lending clarity to the earlier implied condition, events necessitated the management to incorporate the said condition justifiably in the interest of all the parties concerned."

"That it is now surprising that exception is being taken to this clause at the time of renewal of licenses." The press note further said that the BTC has no legal role in negotiating the service conditions of these workmen vide settlement etc. as BTC is neither the employer of a trainer nor the men working under him, which position has been legally vindicated and therefore, the question of BTC being a party to the settlement between the trainers and their employees, either directly or indirectly does not arise.

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