KARACHI: The two-week extension of lockdown to control increase of coronavirus cases in the country has dashed hopes of reopening the Karachi Racecourse in the remaining second half of this month, Dawn has learnt.

It may be recalled that the KRC had abruptly announced cancellation of March 15 races after releasing handicap following government’s first lockdown.

The closure of KRC for a month and-a-half means loss of seven racing weeks depriving the institution of approximately Rs 2 million.

According to official figures, some 42 regular and a large number of daily wagers besides riders, trainers, horse groomers are associated with the KRC who are sole bread earners of their families.

This is besides a large number of people who lookafter the horses in stables, studs for breeding and many other areas of this industry.

People connected with KRC are bracing for hard days ahead in view of uncertainity of its reopening with holy month of Ramazan around the corner,

If all goes well the KRC may be able to conduct two or may be three races in Ramazan next month.

Meanwhile, the riders who live in the vicinity of KRC turn up daily for morning trackwork with their horses to keep them and the animals fit.

Published in Dawn, April 15th, 2020