MADRAS GYMKHANA RACE CLUB

When I was a teenager my father talk about the Madras Horse Race, he was inspired by his childhood friend famous Indian Cinema Director Late R. Krishnan. Every weekend he visits Guindy Horse Race Course with his friend Mr. R. Krishnan. Horse Race was brought by Britishers in 1777, I was told. Britishers invaded India as they are intelligent businessman and Administrators as noted in history. But Britishers spent their leisure hours in a useful manner. They started Club for recreations their they get together played Polo Tennis Billiards and also horse-riding.

After Independence most of the Britishers back to Britain, the club had set backs, then some of the Indian Administrators, Indian Kings and wealthy people in society reconstructed the Club named Madras Gymkhana Club. Participation of higher level people boost the club and started regular sports events and other recreations. It was the only Club in India, as the Britishers Head Administrative place was Calcutta, so they established its branch at Calcutta. They imported finest breeds of horses from Britain and Arab countries. In Madras the village Velacherry, Guindy had vast area covered for the purpose to train the horses for riding as well as for the Race.

They regularised programs, special events and huge amount has been paid to the winners, talented and lucky winners won the Prestigious Golden Cup. In due course horse race become gambling, layman started gambling on horses it was named 'bettings'. I have heard many family lives were ruined in urban, suffered of gamblers. Legal and illegal gambling become everyday routine, people become addict or obsessed. Government has taken strong decision to wipe out from the root, stopped horse race whether it is legal or illegal in Madras, but still Horse Races were allowed in the cities Bangalore, Mysore, and Calcutta, legal and illegal ticket counters were open for Jackpot, Treble, and Bettings, the gamblers from Madras had chances to continue gambling. Finally, throughout India Horse Race was stopped. Now the Club keep on functioning as its own privileges. There are many new Clubs arrived in Chennai, but the fame and name for the Madras Race Club cannot be taken by any newly entered Clubs.