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Mysore Race Club
Photograph by T.N.A. Perumal, F.R.P.S., M.F.I.A.P.
Few race courses enjoy as beautiful a location as the one at Mysore—picturesquely placed at the base of a small but famous hill close to the city; covering an area of 152 acres. The Mysore Race Club includes a large oval race track, audience stand, bookmakers' ring, paddock complex, polo ground, two enclosures, a clubhouse with residential accommodation and an office building.
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Mysore Race Club |
The sport of horse racing was first introduced to Mysore by Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar. Till 1920, races were held during his birthday celebrations at the Kebbe Katte Bungalow (near the present Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering). Mysore's present race course was established by Maharaja Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar
(1895-1940). He, like his forefathers, was an avid enthusiast of horse racing and owned several race horses.
In the early years, races were conducted by the Department of Palace, and the Maharajas appointed the Secretary and Stewards. Then in 1951, the Bangalore Race Club started a race club at Mysore, with a small membership of 25 people, and began running a few of its races in Mysore. The Mysore Race Club came into formal existence on 15 April 1968, with its incorporation as a limited company. Today the Mysore Race Club conducts many prestigious races and offers recreational riding programmes. Royal patronage, of sorts, continues: Srikanthadatta Wodeyar, the scion of the Wodeyar dynasty, has a string of horses that participate in the Mysore races.
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| Jayachamaraja Wodeyar Golf Club |
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The Jayachamaraja Wodeyar Golf Club—a 70-par, 18-hole golf course designed by Pacific Coast Design, Australia—is located within the premises of the Race Club. It is affiliated to the Indian Golf Union and conducts many tournaments, including the Merchant Memorial Open, Shafi Darasha Memorial Open, Maharaja Cup Open and A.V. Thomas Open. |
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