Indian Races: From “Races Are Forever” to “Races Till When?”

The Delhi Race Club is no more.

A nearly 100-year-old institution with roots in the Victorian era has been demolished after the 15-day notice to vacate the premises expired on 26 August. The club's Special Leave Petition also failed to secure relief from the Supreme Court, which refused to admit it.

For professionals, owners, breeders, trainers, jockeys and patrons associated with racing, this is heartbreaking. The Delhi Race Club was not merely a racecourse—it was a way of life, and its closure will affect many direct and indirect livelihoods.

More worrying is the timing. The breeding industry was already under severe pressure, with the decline in ownership and the impact of GST making the sport increasingly difficult to sustain. Within a year, three racing clubs have now shut down. Other clubs, particularly the Bengaluru Turf Club, which is already at loggerheads with the state government, cannot be anything but nervous watching what has happened in Delhi.

But can we blame the Government entirely?

Perhaps not.

The racing industry must also look within. Over the years, allegations of malpractice, lack of transparency and questionable decisions by stewards have not helped the image of racing clubs in the eyes of governments. In several instances, club members have behaved as though the club was their personal kingdom rather than an institution entrusted with protecting the sport.

Most importantly, racing failed to build a strong national voice.

The Turf Authorities of India have never emerged as the powerful national body the sport desperately needs. When clubs face government action, taxation challenges or regulatory problems, they largely fight their own battles. A fragmented industry cannot expect to have a strong negotiating position.

And then there is the 40% GST, which remains one of the biggest threats to racing's future. At a time when owners are disappearing, breeders are struggling and clubs are closing, such a high tax burden can only make participation more difficult.

The closure of Delhi should therefore be a wake-up call—not just an occasion to mourn.

The Government needs to reconsider whether the present taxation and regulatory framework is sustainable. Clubs need greater transparency and better governance. The racing fraternity needs to stop thinking only about individual clubs and start thinking about the survival of racing itself.

For years, regulars at the races used to say:

“Races are forever.”

Today, that confidence has been replaced by a far more uncomfortable question:

“Races till when?”

Delhi has lost a historic institution. The question now is whether Indian racing will learn from it—or wait for the next racecourse to disappear.