Pune racing may begin on Aug 15

Mahalaxmi racecourse in Mumbai. Pic/Shadab Khan

Horse racing at Pune is set to start on August 15, provided the state government gives its nod. The Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC), in a special note addressed to horse owners, trainers and jockeys, announced on Wednesday.

"[We] are in active talks with government of Maharashtra for the licence/permission. Subject to government approvals and other formalities we aim to resume racing by 15th August," the communication said.

It may be noted that an already truncated version of the Mumbai racing season 2020-21 was abruptly called off on April 4, two weeks ahead of its scheduled closure, when the state government had announced stringent restrictions in view of the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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