The Madras Race Club has informed the other turf clubs in the country that it is unable to host next year`s Invitation Cup weekend races citing financial reasons. The MRC had agreed to host the Invitation Cup in March this year at Mumbai. The hosting club`s chairman automatically becomes the Chairman of Turf Authorities of India. The Madras Race Club had been reluctant to undertake the strenuous exercise of hosting a gala meet and had informed the turf authorities that it would reduce the two-day meet into a one day affair like the one that was hosted by Hyderabad Race Club last year. The Hyderabad Race Club had stepped in to maintain the continuity of the Invitation Cup races after RWITC was unable to host it due to equine influenza related problems which threw racing out of gear at Mumbai.
The decision of Madras Race Club has come as a big disappointment to race goers in Chennai who were starved of good racing action especially since local racing is lopsided. The MRC has said in its letter received by turf clubs on Friday that financial consideration was the main factor for their decision. However, this does not hold much credence because the Invitation Cup weekend races are sponsored by all the turf clubs in the country and the other races that are part of the weekend also finds a sponsor. The stake money offered for classics in Chennai rank higher than many centers in the country. Possibly the lack of interest on the part of Madras Race Club can be attributed to its chairman and Racing Baron Dr M A M Ramaswamy`s diminishing interest in racing especially since he is running a lean patch for the last two years.

Chairman of Royal Western India Turf Club Vivek Jain said that the turf clubs were proposing to send a joint letter by Chairman of all clubs that Madras Race Club must honor its commitment. MRC`s own idea of a one day invitation is an option, he added.

Vivek Jain further said that RWITC may consider hosting the meet if they find a sponsor but added that these are early days to say anything specific. ``As of now we must impress on MRC to honor the turf authorities` practice of hosting the Invitation Cup races on a rotation basis.``

Chennai hosted the Indian Turf Invitation Cup weekend races five years ago and barring the Sprinters` Cup which was won by Blue Horizon, the other Gr 1 races were won by Southern Regent, Spectacular Quest and Star of Windsor, all owned by Dr M A M Ramaswamy. The Turf Baron had always been insistent about the turf clubs following reciprocal agreements and maintaining the continuity of Invitation Cup.

The Royal Calcutta Turf Club may not be in a position to host the Invitation Cup out of turn at short notice. Bangalore Turf Club is capable of hosting the meet but the club is fighting a battle for survival in the light of the government`s move to shift the race course and the High Court`s mandate to shut operations at the existing premises by September 22. BTC has no alternate place to relocate. The turf club is facing the biggest crisis of its existence and everything hinges on the outcome of the Special Leave Petition which is due for orders on September 7.