RACING in India has been in the doldrums for a while, in large measure due to a whopping 28% tax take on betting turnover. Add to this the deductions needed to operate the tote and the race clubs, and it is easy to understand why many bettors are being driven into the arms of illegal bookmakers. This is a situation that is not sustainable for the future.

The racing industry, however, is fighting back and plans are afoot to stage an international race meeting in October 2021, while authorities would like to see a situation where horses from India could travel to compete in Europe. It is only by such means that the standards will rise in India where racing is still a passion for many.