The Royal Turf Club Nuwara Eliya held its first race for the year on 24th February 2024. Titled the RTC Sports Tourism Race Day, this event was part of an ambitious programme to uphold the tradition of horse racing in Nuwara Eliya while promoting tourism in the area.
Since the inception of horse racing in Sri Lanka, The Royal Turf Club, Nuwara Eliya has been a flag bearer of the sport.
RTC Nuwara Eliya treasurer Nisitha Rupasinghe said “The RTC Sports Tourism Day was conceptualized in order to increase tourism in Nuwara Eliya along with upholding the tradition of horse racing. The RTC since 2016 has maintained the Nuwara Eliya racecourse and looked after all matters relating to it, as we like to think the race course in Nuwara Eliya is a site of national heritage. On the 24th of February, we scheduled four races for the day. The main race of the day was the RTC Sports Tourism Day race followed by the three other races where the Stables and Hill Rise Trophy, The Sunday Times Trophy and the Yes 101 Trophy were awarded to the winners of the respective races. “
RTC Nuwara Eliya treasurer Nisitha Rupasinghe said “The RTC Sports Tourism Day was conceptualized in order to increase tourism in Nuwara Eliya along with upholding the tradition of horse racing. The RTC since 2016 has maintained the Nuwara Eliya racecourse and looked after all matters relating to it, as we like to think the race course in Nuwara Eliya is a site of national heritage. On the 24th of February, we scheduled four races for the day. The main race of the day was the RTC Sports Tourism Day race followed by the three other races where the Stables and Hill Rise Trophy, The Sunday Times Trophy and the Yes 101 Trophy were awarded to the winners of the respective races. “
“Race goers enjoyed a convivial atmosphere. For those who have never been to the races in Nuwara Eliya it was an ideal opportunity to see what horse racing is all about. This year we hosted a large number of tourists which greatly benefited the hospitality industry in Nuwara Eliya. We also invited stakeholders in the industry to join with forces with the RTC to make this event a success as it is for the benefit of the sport, the people of Nuwara Eliya and also promotes a positive image of the country. Our market research indicates that many tourists from the South Asian region are keen to come as the cooler climes coupled with the beautiful scenery of Nuwara Eliya and the excitement of the races are an attractive proposition” Nisitha concluded.
The CEO and Secretary of the RTC Nuwara Eliya Royata Hakariya is an ardent supporter of horse racing. Commenting on how horseracing has evolved over the years Hakariya said “Horse racing has a long history which traces its origins to Europe. Today, there are so many countries which enjoy horse racing. In my home country of Japan, horseracing is conducted at the highest level and therefore has becoming the biggest revenue income in the world. Due to this the jockey and trainer must pass a certain exam which helps to ensure a high standard and maintains technology beneficial to the horse, trainer and the jockey. “