New Delhi, March 16 For over a century, the sound of horse hooves has echoed at the Delhi Race Club, a landmark in the capital. However, the future of over 250 elite thoroughbred race horses, who continue to train on the horseshoe-shaped track, is now uncertain after the Centre asked the club to vacate the land within 15 days.
The order has caused worry among trainers and staff about the fate of privately-owned horses that have spent much of their lives training here. They say these thoroughbreds cannot be simply moved elsewhere, as race horses have strict routines and require specialized care and facilities.
"These horses are among the most elite breeds bred for racing. They are trained and fed like professional athletes, and are cared for with the utmost dedication," said Colonel SK Bakshi (Retd), Secretary and CEO of Delhi Race Club.
He added that the notice has raised concerns about the horses' well-being, especially since they have been training at the course for years. "Where will they go? These horses cannot survive on their own outside," he said.
Officials said the club received a notice on March 12 from the Land and Development Office, directing it to vacate the land within 15 days. The government stated that the land is required for public purposes and warned of eviction proceedings if the order is not complied with.
The notice stated that the land on which the club operates was originally leased through a deed dated March 8, 1926, which was temporary in nature and had been extended several times, with the last extension valid until December 31, 1994.
It further stated that no further extension or renewal was granted since, and the club has continued to occupy the government land without a valid lease since January 1, 1995.
The notice said the approximately 53.24-acre plot is now required for public purposes as part of the larger planning and development of the area, directing the club to vacate the premises within 15 days.
Workers at the racecourse said the horses housed there are thoroughbred racing breeds specifically raised for competitive racing. Some are bred in India, while others come from places like Italy and West Asia.
"These animals may look majestic, but they are very sensitive," a trainer explained, highlighting the delicate nature of caring for thoroughbred race horses.
He said their bone structure is delicate and even a minor accident during training can lead to serious injury. "A single slip can cause a hairline fracture. They cannot eat normal fodder like other horses," the trainer said.
According to trainers, the animals require a controlled diet and environment to maintain their fitness for racing. Special feed containing nutrients, vitamins, and minerals is prepared daily.
Workers said maintaining a racehorse is an expensive undertaking due to the intensive care required daily. The monthly cost of maintaining a horse starts from around Rs 40,000, and can increase significantly depending on the animal and its training needs.
"From veteran race horses like 'Ashwabravo', who is around seven years old and has achieved the highest number of wins on the Delhi Race Club track, to the newer members, we treat them with the utmost care," a worker said.
Pointing towards rows of stables beside the track, the worker said these structures have existed for nearly a century, since horse-racing was introduced during the British era. Renovated in the 1940s, the stables were carefully designed to protect the horses from Delhi's intense heat.
"This place was built very meticulously so that the heat does not reach the horses, and there is proper ventilation inside," the worker said.
He said the delicate nature of thoroughbred horses requires constant cooling, grooming, and monitoring throughout the day. The racecourse also maintains medical facilities for immediate treatment.
"These horses are so fragile that we give them coolers, regular grooming, and veterinary care inside the premises; how can they survive outside?" he said.
The racecourse also supports thousands of livelihoods. According to the club, nearly 5,000 families, including trainers, jockeys, contractors, and workers, depend on the Delhi Race Club.
One worker, who has been associated with the club since 1992, said he first came to the racecourse to clear the tracks before gradually moving into office duties.
He said the racecourse has supported families like his for decades. "If this place shuts, where will we go? We are able to run our homes because of this place," he said.
Trainer Irfan Ali, 50, said his family used to tend to the horses of the British in Lucknow, and came to the capital six generations ago with the colonial cavalry. Since then, the family has been working at the club.
"My grandfather taught me the basics. First, I worked as an assistant and then trained for years before becoming a trainer," he said, adding that he has trained around 50 thoroughbreds in his career and currently looks after 13 race horses. "This is the only race club in north India. Our families depend on it," he said.
Club officials said relocating a racecourse is a complex process that takes time.
Even if alternate land is provided, building a new track and stables could take years. "Even if we are given alternate land, it will take at least two years to complete construction. A single racing track itself takes more than a year to build," Col Bakshi said.