They say timing is everything in horse racing, but even the best-laid calendars can’t outrun the clouds. After a three week drought in Indian racing, the action finally returned on May 17th at Bangalore Turf Club (BTC), where the Summer Meeting kicked off with energy, anticipation and an unmistakable buzz. Fans had been waiting since April 30th, when Delhi Race Club hosted the last race day in India, for the return of racing. But the joy of that long awaited Saturday proved short lived.
Day 2 of the Bangalore Summer Meeting, originally scheduled for May 18th, was called off due to heavy rain. BTC promptly shifted the races to May 20th, hoping the skies would cooperate. But the rain gods had other plans. As persistent showers returned, the entire May 20th card was eventually cancelled, delivering another blow to punters and racing enthusiasts alike.
As things stand, the Summer Meeting will now resume directly with Day 3 on May 24th, weather permitting. The only race to survive the downpour shuffle is the much-anticipated War Hammer Million, which was initially slated for May 18th (rescheduled to May 20th) and will now be contested on May 24.
The irony hasn’t been lost on fans. A three week wait ended with a one day reward, followed by postponement first and finally cancellation of the second day due to rains. Yet through it all, the racing fraternity has shown patience, and BTC is doing its best to keep the show running despite the skies refusing to cooperate.
For now, all eyes are on the weekend forecast. As umbrellas outnumber racing tips and clouds loom over the paddock, one can only hope the next battle between rain gods and race gods tilts in favour of the sport.
