R. Ramakrishnan — a passionate lover of horse racing

The veteran Madras Race Club administrator strove to achieve more with his innovative thinking

July 07, 2019 10:46 pm | Updated 11:07 pm IST - CHENNAI

R. Ramakrishnan.

R. Ramakrishnan.

R. Ramakrishnan, the chairman of the Madras Race Club (MRC), passed away here on Sunday. He was 73. RK, as he was popularly known in the racing circles, had been chairman since December 2015, a post which he had previously held between 1980 and 1983.

Ramakrishnan held the unique distinction of being a Steward of the MRC and the Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) at the same time.

As chairman of the MRC, Ramakrishnan took racing to new heights and endeavoured to achieve further with his innovative thinking.

He opened up the Chennai races for horses from other centres, thereby improving the competition at the MRC.

“He was a multifaceted person. He knew the industry in and out. He was firm in taking decisions”, observed Javeed Ghatala, the acting chairman of the MRC, while recalling Ramakrishnan’s contribution.

Acclaimed for his knowledge of the sport, Ramakrishnan was appointed a member of the expert panel of Turf Authorities of India in the formation of the Common Medication Rules and Common Rules of Racing for Turf Authorities of India, which was adopted by different turf clubs.

Passionate about horse racing, Ramakrishnan owned horses for more than three decades and people in the know say his first horse was named ‘Goddess of Luck.’

He represented India in several international festivals and was a leading voice in the sport. He has also had commentary stints, including airing his views during the Invitation Cup (won by Amorous Knight) in Chennai.

As a BTC steward and chairman of the computerisation sub-committee of that club, he was instrumental in computerisation of the entire tote system which yielded wonderful returns to the institution.

Total commitment

“His commitment to the sport was total. He resolved many issues related to horse-racing which was unique to the sport,” said the BTC chairman Harimohan Naidu.

Surender Reddy, the chairman of the Hyderabad Race Club, while lamenting the loss called Ramakrishnan a stalwart of the industry who knew every aspect of racing.

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