The last decade has seen Mysore Race Club make rapid strides, with year round racing firmly establishing itself so much so that the centre boasts of more than 350 locally based horses. From being a racing centre which conducted racing in the monsoon months of August, September and October, two mini seasons on either side of the main season have not only become popular but also given economic boost to the finances of turf clubs all over country. Racing in Mysore has been a big boon for not only the several professionals who got an opportunity to carry on their profession but also to other turf clubs in the country by way of income through off course betting. Interestingly, not a single day of off course betting on Mysore racing is missed by major clubs like Bangalore, Hyderabad and RWITC.

Chaduranga Kanthraj Urs has played an important role in the progress achieved by Mysore Race Club having been a part of its committee for the last 10 years and for last several years as its Chairman. Kanthraj can list several achievements to his credit. The Mysore Race Club lost about 10 acres of land nearby which hosted stables as the government took it over for expansion of Administrative Training College. However, the club has successfully overcome the problem by building about 300 plus stables within its premises which rank as the best in the country. ''The club has been able to get back the land from the golf club by pushing the putting points which will enable the club to build another 300 plus stables in the near future. A new veterinary hospital and an equine swimming pool will come up during the second phase of expansion of racing facilities that the club proposes to undertake.

''The club has made a conscious effort to build its own staff to handle racing. Today the club has reduced its dependency on Bangalore Turf Club. The club has a full-fledged handicapper, veterinary doctors, stipendiary stewards and other officials,’’ Kanthraj said highlighting the achievements during his tenure as Chairman. The year round racing in Mysore racing was part of Vision 2000 and one can say without any hesitation that Mysore racing has firmly established itself. The club can get the status of an independent turf authority if the club pushes for the same. ''I should whole-heartedly thank my committee members for the supported extended by them in carrying out developmental activities,’’ he added.

''The Mysore Race Club has increased the stakes for the ensuing season starting on Thursday, August 18 by 10 per cent. The same level of stakes will be maintained for the winter and summer seasons. The Mysore Race Club has a base of about 100 two-year olds. The Club has decided not to allow eight year olds and over to race because the club’s long term plan is to have racing for its own base of horses instead of being labelled as a centre for older horses,’’ said Kanthraj.

Kanthraj will be retiring as Chairman of the Club once the elections to the Managing Committee takes place on Tuesday and a new person is elected is his place. Kanthraj during his tenure has ensured the financial stability of the club. ''During my term, we carried out extensive renovation of Grand Stand and added new facilities for members and racing public,’’ he added.

The Mysore Race Club has laid a connection to get treated water for purpose of maintaining the race track. The adjoining golf club will also get to use the facility but in times of distress, the race club will have exclusive use of the same, said Kanthraj.

''The Mysore Race Club conducted only four Graded races all these years namely the Mysore Million over a mile which is the season’s first highlight followed by the Mysore 1000 Guineas, the Mysore 2000 Guineas and the Mysore Derby. From this year onwards, the pattern races committee has upgraded the Maharaja’s Cup and Dasara Sprint Championship as Graded races. The stake money for these races has also been enhanced. The Khushro Jalnawala Mysore Million boats of a stake money of about Rs 30 lakhs which includes the contribution from the sponsor, the club and sweepstake entry money. This race is easily the highest stake money race for a three year olds during the monsoon season in India. The Maharaja’s Cup has always been a prestigious race and this mile long race will attract bigger entries from this year because of it being accorded a graded race status,’’ explained Kanthraj.

The club has striven hard to maintain the integrity of racing in Mysore though quite often the same has been compromised by the dilution of punishments by BTC under whose rules of racing MRC races. Kanthraj was unhesitating in taking firm decisions with the support of the committee which has prevented racing in Mysore from slipping.