5 days ago
Bulldozers Demolish Delhi Race Club as Century-Long Racing Ends
The Delhi Race Club was a place where horses raced and many people worked for nearly 100 years.
The government took control of it after a court refused to stop the eviction.
Bulldozers then destroyed the stables and other important racing structures.
More than 250 horses had been kept there, but about 200 were taken away by their owners.
Fifty-two horses were still there and were expected to leave within one or two weeks.
The horses were moved to other race clubs, riding schools or a racing facility in Meerut.
Workers were concerned because the old stables helped protect the animals from Delhi’s heat.
The club said nearly 5,000 families depended on the racecourse.
The government said the land was needed for public purposes and that the lease had expired, while the club continued its legal challenge.
The Centre took possession of the Delhi Race Club’s 53-acre premises after a court rejected its request to pause eviction.
Bulldozers demolished the stables, bookmakers’ ring, winning post, photofinish camera and saddling enclosure.
Of more than 250 horses, about 200 were collected by owners and 52 remained at the club.
The remaining horses were expected to leave within one or two weeks, with arrangements permitted until September 14.
The eviction dispute concerns government land, an allegedly expired lease and the club’s pending appeal scheduled for September 26.
- Who
- The Centre, the Delhi Race Club, horse owners, trainers, jockeys, contractors and other workers were involved.
- What
- The Centre took possession of the race club and demolition crews destroyed several historic racing structures.
- Where
- The Delhi Race Club premises on Lok Kalyan Marg in Lutyens’ Delhi, New Delhi.
- When
- The takeover and demolition took place on Thursday, identified in the reports as August 27; the remaining horses were expected to leave within one or two weeks.
- Why
- The Land and Development Office said the government land was needed for public purposes, while the Centre said the club’s lease had expired.
Government and Eviction Authorities
Race Club and Its Supporters
Land Use and Lease
Government and Eviction Authorities
The Land and Development Office said the government land was required for public purposes. The Centre said the lease executed on March 8, 1926, had expired on December 31, 1994, and that the club had remained in unauthorised occupation since January 1, 1995.
Race Club and Its Supporters
The Delhi Race Club challenged the eviction order before the Delhi High Court and continued pursuing legal remedies against the takeover.
Eviction Process
Government and Eviction Authorities
The Centre proceeded after the Patiala House Court rejected the club’s request for an interim stay. A May 26 Delhi High Court ruling had also allowed the eviction process to continue.
Race Club and Its Supporters
The club sought court protection and was given until September 14 to arrange its remaining affairs, while its main appeal was scheduled for September 26.
Impact on Horses and Workers
Government and Eviction Authorities
About 200 horses were collected by owners, while others were moved to race clubs, riding schools or a facility in Meerut.
Race Club and Its Supporters
Workers said the horses needed specialised cooling, grooming, feed and veterinary care, and the club said nearly 5,000 families depended on the racecourse.
Key facts
- Club established
- March 8, 1926, at its present location in New Delhi.
- Premises
- The club occupied about 53 acres; the eviction order referred to 53.24 acres.
- Demolished structures
- Stables, bookmakers’ ring, winning post, photofinish camera, saddling enclosure and other facilities.
- Horses affected
- More than 250 horses had been housed at the club; 52 remained while about 200 were taken away by owners.
- Horse values
- The thoroughbreds were valued at between Rs 3 lakh and Rs 50 lakh each.
- Livelihoods
- The club said nearly 5,000 families, including trainers, jockeys, contractors and workers, depended on the racecourse.
- Legal timetable
- The club was given until September 14 to make arrangements, and its main appeal was scheduled for final disposal on September 26.
Quotes
A source associated with the Delhi Race Club
A source connected with the club and horse racing activities
“We have been given time till September 14 to sort everything out. We are planning to send the remaining horses to their owners in the next one or two weeks.”
NDTV
telegraphindia.com
theprint.in
“These horses are so fragile that we give them coolers, regular grooming and veterinary care inside the premises. How will they survive outside?”
NDTV
telegraphindia.com
theprint.in
Sources
Video: Bulldozers Silence Hoofbeats At Delhi Race Club After Eviction Order
End of an era: Bulldozers tear down Delhi Race Club; Centre takes over
Bulldozers raze Delhi Race Club stables as a century of racing falls silent - Telegraph India
Bulldozer growl replaces hoofbeats as demolition drive leaves Delhi Race Club in ruins
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