Excitement returns next Sunday to Nuwara Eliya
The unbeatable Alcazaba and astonishing Western Wind have been cleared to run in next Sunday's RTC Magic Million Cup Raceday, which will begin at 10.00am at the Racecourse in Nuwara Eliya. Alcazaba, owned by Deepthika Jayakody, and Western Wind, owned by Gamini Jayaratne's, were withdrawn from the Dr. Rashid R. Byramji Memorial Trophy Class 1 race of 1600metres on March 19, on veterinary instruction, but both runners have been cleared to compete in the Class 1 main race for the RTC Magic Million Cup on April 3.
The field of seven was brought down to five in the main race of the RTC Spring and Summer Raceday last week, which was eventually won by Another Ace, ridden by jockey Vivek and owned by Hasanga Jayaratne. But for next Sunday's main race competition officials assure of a field full of competitive thoroughbreds with Alcazaba and Western Wind coming in. And with Meheran and Spirited Touch in the lineup and a new fleet of thoroughbreds joining in, the RTC Magic Million Cup race is expected to provide the thrills of a perfect horseracing competition.
The raceday on April 3 will include five races, all thoroughbreds, ranging from Class 1 to 5 according to the runner's rating. Each race will have a gap of 30 minutes, beginning from 10.00am. The event will be held with limited entertainment and other segments, that are usually held, due to the present surroundings.
"Racedays will be conducted as planned, as there are hundreds of individuals employed directly and indirectly with the horseracing industry in Nuwara Eliya, and in the sur rounding areas of the Racecourse. As a responsible club, we are compelled to continue the legacy of the sport, while also adhering to the country's norms," a senior official of RTC said.
RTC flagged off the Horse Racing Season 2022 with the Spring and Summer Raceday on March 19, followed by the Magic Million Cup Raceday on April 3. The season will peak with the RTC Governor's Cup Raceday on April 15, before culminating with the RTC Army Commander's Cup Raceday on April 23.