LAHORE, April 19: The Lahore Race Club (LRC) has been given a go ahead signal for the construction of a new block at the riding school for training riders who can meet the needs of the racing industry.

LRC chairman Tariq Aziz told Dawn that he has granted permission for the development and upgrading of facilities being provided to the new recruits and apprentice riding boys there.

The development includes setting up of a new block equipped with mechanical horses and gadgets being used in the training of riders at riding schools abroad.

The step, he said, is part of a continuing process of development in the racing industry and facilities being provided here to the under training boys who may want to take up riding as a profession later on.

“This we must do in order to uplift the standards of riding and jockeyship while maintaining the standards of racing which always requires the services of good riders.

The chairman asked the LRC steward Khawaja M. Arif to supervise the project for its early completion.

He also directed the LRC secretary Shahzad Akhtar to sanction a sufficient amount of money to provide milk, juices and fruits to all riders receiving training at the school.

Meanwhile, Shahzad Akhtar has been promoted and appointed as LRC secretary with immediate effect. The post was vacant since the demise of Ata Ali Khan some two years ago.—AG