Meek surrender
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
40% GST on horse racing related activities {Entrance fees, Bookies stall fees and Betting} came into effect from 22nd September. Transition was lifeless without any murmur or resistance from clubs, as if Turf clubs have resigned to their fate and chose the convenient way of surrender rather than fight
In contrast recently just a few weeks back British Horse Racing authority called for a one day race strike in protest against proposed tax increase from 15 to 21 %. . They vociferously presented the perils of choking the legal way of betting. Prominent racing figures {Breeders and professionals} aired their views thru Social, Print and Electronic Media. This is how an industry threatened reacts proactively.
It is said those who stay in glass houses cannot change clothes with lights on!.. Can the clubs be trusted with complete transparency. Just last week there was a news that at Bangalore Turf club winning tickets were punched in the evening after the races!! Not naming any particular club but it is no secret the blatant mal practices regarding the racing is ignored by the custodians of fair racing .With such blatant acts of dishonesty how can we, the racing patrons, except clubs to take a moral or legal stand against Government's arbitrary decision.
28% was a severe blow and this 40% is fatal blow. It will become impossible for the owners to stay in game for long.
Racing is taking a full circle. It all started with just one or two days of racing in a week and we are heading towards that scenario again.
Madras racing will cease to exist after this season, Kolkotta races with hardly 180 horses {many setback cases in that too} will die a natural death very soon, they may conduct races fortnightly from next Monsoon season. Hyderabad race club is rich and can run races on empty stands but they need owners for that who are deserting fast. Rwitc has backing of powerful people, they may sail thru for few more years. Bangalore and Mysore clubs will fall for Government sooner than we expect. Delhi races, who even cares, it is glorious version of Gymkhana races
