Catwalk, hats, money and champagne did the magic at this year’s Kunigal Stud Magic Million - the country’s richest horse racing festival at the Royal Turf Club, Nuwara Eliya last weekend. A series of nail biting races amidst some rich entertainment made it all the more better. Foreign diplomats, politicians and the elite crowd were equally enthusiastic to witness this internationally celebrated sport right here in Sri Lanka. 

Amidst the enthusiasm and the excitement, the Daily Mirror Life spoke to John Amaratunga, Minister of Tourism and Christian Affairs to listen to his views about this year’s races; 

“From the good old days, Nuwara Eliya has been one of the main tourist attractions. This sport too has been celebrated from time immemorial. However, its standards and outlook were down for some time. But I am happy that the new management is trying to bring back the grandeur. When I look, I see that there has been a tremendous development from then to now. The quality of racing, training and all aspects should be closely monitored and foreign elements need to be invited to take it to the next level. After all, this is an excellent way to promote tourism.” – John Amaratunga, Minister of Tourism and Christian Affairs 

Nuwara Eliya has become a popular destination for those who would like to escape the scorching heat in Colombo. Speaking to the Daily Mirror Life, Elizabeth – Sophie Balsa, Ambassador of Brazil to Sri Lanka expressed her views about the journey to Nuwara Eliya and her views on the sport: 

“This is the first time that I am in Nuwara Eliya and on the way I got to see some fabulous tea plantations and beautiful landscapes. It’s absolutely marvellous to see such enthusiasm for a sport such as horse racing here in Nuwara Eliya. Also I love the climate here and I definitely want to come back once again.” – Elizabeth – Sophie Balsa, Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to Sri Lanka 

As an ardent fan of horse racing, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Laura Davies enjoys the blend of entertainment added to the sport. In her comments, she had this to say: 

“When I walked past this turf a couple of years back, I couldn’t believe that it was this tumbled down place but today it looks absolutely stunning. The climate is perfect and I am happy to see that many people are interested in investing in such ventures. In addition to that what is more unique about these races are that there’s quite a lot of entertainment and I love that blend. There are fashion shows, music and other exciting things for spectators to engage in and socialise. The Sri Lankan apparel industry too has evolved to become a potential icon in the international market.” – Laura Davies, British Deputy High Commissioner to Sri Lanka 

The Royal Turf Club was packed with horse racing enthusiasts who too wanted to be a part of the excitement. Some of them had this to say; 

“I enjoyed it a lot because this is my first time at the horse races and seems like everybody is very much in to the sport. Quite interesting.” – Anjalee 

“Quite good to see that these kinds of events are picking up their potential in a country like ours.” – Nishani 

“I come every year to watch the races and I think they have done a fabulous job, revamping the turf and reintroducing the sport in a grand style. I think more people too should come to watch it and I love the entertainment as well.” – Harshini 

“I have grown up with the races and I know how it had been during the past. Today I am quite happy to see the development and the enthusiasm towards the sport.” – Lalitha 

“The participation is good and I believe that the event was well organised.” – Eric 

“It is a fabulous initiative and I think the management has done a good job in revamping the turf and adding other facilities to the premises. These kinds of events need to be marketed to the international audience.” – Kimali 

“I had a great time. In fact this is the first time that I have been to an event of this calibre and it is quite exciting.” – Lashan 

“I wish it goes back to the former glory. Everything has been done perfectly and I am quite happy about it.” – Minoli 

“It is something to do with re-energizing the sport. New investors have come in and they have given more life to the sport. This is the need of the hour.” – Ronnie 

“The races were great and it is good to see an international event in Nuwara Eliya. They have concentrated more on the infrastructure and other aspects and these are vital elements for the future success of the sport.” – Dhakshitha 

Many horse owners are quite positive about the transformation introduced to the RTC. Speaking to the Daily Mirror Life, some of them shared their thoughts with us; 

“The facilities and the track are fantastic and I hope there will be more horse owners and more races in future.” – James Mathews 

“The next 2-3 years will be quite crucial and I am very confident that this sport will do wonders in future. It has already reached the next level and I am quite happy about it.” – Vajira Dassanayake 

Be a part of this amazing experience on April 23 as the next series of races unveil right here in ‘Little England’.... 

By Kamanthi Wickramasinghe
Photographs by Manoj Ratnayake