The Mysore Derby, set to dazzle on Sunday, October 27, will carry a sombre note this year, as it unfolds without the iconic presence of one man who, for over four decades, was the heart and soul of the Mysore Race Club. Ananthraj Urs, the smiling, ever-gracious gentleman who seemed to live and breathe the spirit of Mysore racing, will be sorely missed. His absence leaves an undeniable void in a place he helped shape into a bastion of the sport.

A permanent fixture at the club, Urs wore many hats—whether serving on various committees or leading as the CEO and Stipendiary Steward. He was a guiding force, offering a rare balance of firmness and diplomacy. His decisions carried weight, yet he was never overbearing. Racing wasn't just his passion—it was a calling, a love that went hand in hand with his affection for "the thing that cheers" (perhaps a little too enthusiastically at times).


Even after retiring from his official roles in his late sixties, his dedication didn’t wane. Urs was elected as a member of the club and became a Steward, continuing to bring his quiet authority and wisdom to the Stewards’ room. Many felt he was destined for the club's highest honour as Chairman—a position he richly deserved, but fate had other plans. Earlier this year, after bravely battling illness, Ananthraj Urs passed away on April 10, leaving a gaping hole in the fabric of Mysore racing.

He was more than an administrator—he was Mysore Racing’s very own talisman, a mascot whose presence was woven into the very essence of the course. For those of us returning to Mysore this year for the Cubic Mysore Derby, sponsored by the current interim Chairman Suresh Kumar, his absence will be palpable. But even in his physical absence, the legacy of Ananthraj Urs will echo in the grandstand, the paddocks, and the winner’s circle, where his influence will forever remain.

Ananthraj Urs was not just an administrator; he was a cornerstone of Mysore's racing fraternity, embodying the very spirit of the sport. His journey from assisting the legendary trainer Rashid Byramji to becoming a top official at the Mysore Race Club showcased his versatility and deep knowledge of the game. Urs understood the nuances of horse racing inside out—whether from the trainer’s yard, the paddock, or the stewards' room.

His approach to governance was as much about fostering relationships as it was about enforcing rules. Urs treated every person who crossed his path, from seasoned trainers to casual punters, with the same respect and openness. His office door was always ajar, ready to listen, to guide, or just to offer a kind word of encouragement.

But his influence stretched far beyond the racecourse. Urs was the very image of Mysore's high society, having served as the Secretary and President of the Mysore Sports Club for a length of time that seems immeasurable. His loyalty to the Royal Family of Mysore was unwavering, and his dedication to both the Race Club and the Sports Club was nothing short of legendary. Whether it was orchestrating high-profile events or ensuring that the traditions of Mysore were honoured, Urs worked tirelessly to keep the legacy of both institutions alive and thriving.

The Mysore Derby will be run, and the horses will charge forward, but this year, it will be missing a man who was as much a part of the race as the finish line itself.