The annual general body meeting of the Karnataka Racehorse Owners` Association is to be held on Monday, August 11 but there is considerable speculation as to the composition of the Managing Committee for which elections will also be held on the same day.

Dr Vijay Mallya who had been at the helm of KROA is reportedly not keen on continuing as President and has not filed his nomination even at this point of time hours before the deadlines ends. Giving a double blow to the association is the decision of Ashok Raghavan not to seek another mandate as Secretary after being at the helm for the last six years. Ashok Raghavan, in a statement, said that he would like to inform the members about his decision well in time. ``I would like to inform all the members of KROA that I have decided to step down from the office of Honorary Secretary of the Association after six years in office. I have, under the guidance of the President Dr Vijay Mallya and the cooperation of all the successive members of the Managing Committee in the past six years, tried my level best to work for the welfare of the Race Horse Owners at large and racing in general with passion and sincerity and to the best of my ability.``

The Bangalore Turf Club is feeling the heat of the government`s strong resolve to shift the race course and the club has been told sternly that come what may, they have to vacate the premises by December 31, 2009 even if alternate arrangement is not in place. There are tumultuous times ahead for the Bangalore Turf Club and the Owners Association along with the Trainers and Jockeys Association should also take all steps necessary to safeguard their interests, when the eventuality of the relocation of the Race Course which appears imminent, Ashok Raghavan has said.

``The Association has through its persuasive efforts achieved significant gains in the areas of stake money and incentive payable to the owners and in laying down a procedure for procurement of Oats which has resulted in significant cost reduction over the years, there is lot more to be achieved in the areas of infrastructure required for Racing, which I am sure the succeeding committees would try to accomplish by their continued efforts with the Managements of the Bangalore Turf Club and the Mysore Race Club respectively,`` said Ashok Raghavan while pointing out the achievements of KROA over the last six years.

It remains to be seen who will occupy the important positions of President and Secretary of KROA which is crucial for the welfare of racehorse owners. The association had all these years successfully got a good bargain for the owners and the turf club could not take any decision unilaterally without the concurrence of the association. The association surely needs an effective replacement in order to safeguard the interests of the race horse owners and the sport itself.