Pune racing clears first hurdle

This picture has been used for representational purposes

The odds of the Pune racing season starting this month just got better.

The Disaster Management department of the government of Maharashtra gave its nod to the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) to conduct horse racing "without the spectators" on Saturday.

The race club is now awaiting the grant of the racing licence from the government which should be a mere formality.

Racing is likely to begin at the Pune racetrack on Sunday, October 17.