A survey on AWT

SINCE THE introduction of the All Weather Track (AWT) for racing in Western India, though modelled on foreign centres, there has been some hesitation among the trainers to run their charges on the newly laid AWT. Many a time it has been noticed that due to paucity of runners, some races had to be declared void and new races on the declaration day were forced to be framed by the Turf Club. To find out the real reason from the trainers in respect of poor fields for the AWT racing, a survey was carried out by TheHindu recently.

Alongwith the trainers, some of the Jockeys' opinions were also sought in this regard. Following are the opinions:

Trainers:

Narrendra Lagad: I prefer grass track. I have won only two races on AWT in two years. I feel, I am unable to train my horses on AWT.

Nana Raghunath: AWT is suitable only to some horses.

Uttam Singh: We have not raced our horses on AWT and I feel something may be lacking in it.

Antia: I like certain horses to race on AWT. All over the world, the horses are racing on the dirt track. I have seen the highest stakesmoney is offered to the winner of dirt track in America. Horses get the chances of showing their talent on both the tracks (Race Grass and AWT). I want to suggest to the Turf Club Authorities that the races should be held on AWT during April when the race track becomes hard.

Sarosh Mody: If any horse has the ability, he or she will win on any track.

Bezan Chenoy: I like to race my wards on AWT because it is not so hard and they find it easy to run and the chances of getting their legs damaged are less.

Dallas Todywalla: Some horses relish the AWT and it depends on each individual.

Vinayak: It depends on horse to horse.

Dhariwal: I don't have much experience about the AWT. But sealing of the AWT after each race, does not think it help the horses.

Ivor Fernandes: The horses who come from behind find it very difficult. On this track, it has been observed that there are no breakdowns. Horses running behind during the races come back with cough and sore eyes because of the sand going into their eyes. In the morning work, only two horses work together and the question of sand flying into the eyes does not arise.

Asad Siddiqui: Horses run true to form. About 90 per cent favourites win the races. Those who fail on the Grass Track may get the chances of winning on AWT.

C. D. Katrak: I am in favour of AWT. On this track, even unsound horses can earn their corn bills.

Hosidar Daji: I think on AWT, racing is more honest. This track is very kind to unsound horses.

Imtiaz Sait: I feel the AWT suits only some horses. We should continue racing on AWT in a small way.

Faisal Abbas: I like to race my horses on AWT. I think it is equally good.

S. S. Shah: Only speedy horses relish AWT and it is good for them.

Ms. Irene Patel: I like to race my horses on AWT as well as on Race Grass.

Jockeys:

M. Narredu: Race Grass is far better than the AWT, only certain horses prefer AWT.

N. G. McCullagh: The AWT is top class. This track is neither fast nor causes any injury to the horse. AWT has been well maintained by the Turf Club for the last two years.

Pesi Shroff: The AWT is excellent. Horses enjoy this kind of surface and run much better on this track.

C. Rajendra: Racing on the AWT is good provided the track is maintained in good condition.

M. A. Gallagher: The AWT is excellent and the chances of interference during the races are less. Horses enjoy the soft ground and this track helps the horses with problems. Grass track is firm.

RAM D. ZODGE

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