The Royal Turf Club (RTC), Nuwara Eliya marked the commencement of its racing season on 24 February with the RTC Sports Tourism Race Day. As a venerable institution, the RTC is committed to preserving the rich tradition of horse racing in Nuwara Eliya and has been a steadfast flagbearer for the sport since its inception in Sri Lanka.
The RTC Sports Tourism Race Day stands as a testament to the club’s dedication to both tradition and progress. Conceived with the dual purpose of fostering tourism, this event represents a strategic initiative to bring together sport, culture, and economic development while celebrating the legacy of horse racing in Sri Lanka.
RTC Treasurer Nishitha Rupasinghe told The Sunday Morning Brunch that the RTC had undertaken the responsibility of maintaining the Nuwara Eliya Racecourse and overseeing all related matters since 2016. The RTC’s commitment stems from the belief that the racecourse in Nuwara Eliya is not merely a venue for racing but a site of national heritage that warrants meticulous care and preservation.
Rupasinghe also expressed the club’s commitment to elevating horse racing to new heights in the coming years: “We conduct these races every year and our aspiration is to take horse racing to the next level. Despite occasional challenges with the property and the course, we must continue to invest and expand to maintain the course to the highest standards. There will be two other races in March and April, followed by the Governor’s Cup and the prestigious Magic Million race.”
This effort is not by the TRC alone but is made possible thanks to the support of many sponsors – support that Rupasinghe acknowledged was all the more valuable given how horse racing was gradually becoming less known.
“We are fortunate to have people interested in horse racing, especially those from Edwards Collection, who generously contribute their financial patronage. Given that this is a sport facing a decline, we rely on the support of sponsors to run the racecourse, cover expenses, pay salaries, and care for our dedicated staff. We are particularly grateful to sponsors for making this sport not only sustainable but thrive. Their contributions also enable us to attract officials from foreign countries, who continue to work with us throughout the season.”
Rupasinghe also explored the significance of sports tourism in Nuwara Eliya with Brunch, emphasising on the appeal of the RTC races as a major attraction for foreigners and travellers. He stated: “When it comes to this concept of sports tourism, in Nuwara Eliya, there are a lot of hotels, villas, and BnBs. Travellers who visit seek entertainment and the races provide just that as a notable attraction.”
While acknowledging the upmarket nature of the event, Rupasinghe emphasised that this was more a matter of perception and that RTC’s races were inclusive: “Everybody is welcome to the RTC to witness the races. Simultaneously, this event contributes to tourism in various ways. As the races unfold, locals, including people from Colombo, visit Nuwara Eliya, filling up hotel rooms. We extend invitations to hoteliers and their guests, encouraging them to partake in the excitement of the races.”
Rupasinghe also shared his hopes for expanding the scope of the club, transforming it into a hub for horse racing enthusiasts. “For horse racing enthusiasts, the opportunity exists to bring down horses and register them with RTC for participation in these races. Looking ahead, our target is to elevate the club to accommodate 500 horses; currently, we are at 75 horses. The necessary infrastructure and facilities are awaiting Government approval.”
This expanded scope will see great improvement for the Nuwara Eliya community, providing opportunities for locals, including jockeys, and contributing to the preservation of the rich cultural heritage associated with horse racing in Nuwara Eliya. The vision is not only to enhance the club’s capabilities but also to integrate horse racing as an integral part of the community’s cultural identity.