Saddle Up and Let the Adventures Begin
Exploring the Thrills of Horse Racing
Horse racing has a rich history in Sri Lanka, dating back over 145 years. The sport's roots can be traced to even earlier times, preceding the birth of Jesus Christ. John Baker, brother of Samuel Baker, is credited with introducing horse racing to Nuwara Eliya in the 1840s by establishing a training course for his imported English thoroughbreds near his home. The first official race meeting at Nuwara Eliya took place in 1875 under the organization of the Nuwara Eliya Gymkhana Club. These events continued sporadically until 1900 when the current racecourse was developed.
In 1910, a decision was made during a meeting chaired by the Governor of Ceylon, Sir Henry Edward McCallum, to entrust the management of the Nuwara Eliya course and race meets to the Colombo-based Ceylon Turf Club. This decision was based on the club's financial strength, its ability to offer better prizes, and its capacity for course improvements.
The peak of horse racing in Sri Lanka was witnessed in the 1950s. However, in 1956, the sport was banned in the country, leading to the closure of both the Colombo Racecourse in Cinnamon Gardens and the Nuwara Eliya course. The Colombo Racecourse was later converted into an international rugby venue.
When horse racing resumed in Sri Lanka in 1981, the Nuwara Eliya Race Course stood as the sole surviving race track, situated at an elevation of 1,868 meters (6,129 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest racecourses globally.
Aside from the thrill of the races, attending a horse racing event offers an opportunity to exhibit elegance and style. Gentlemen typically opt for well-tailored suits in neutral colors like navy, grey, or beige, paired with crisp dress shirts, silk ties, and polished leather shoes. Ladies, on the other hand, can showcase sophistication with elegant dresses or skirt suits, featuring feminine silhouettes and refined fabrics such as lace, silk, or chiffon. Statement accessories like wide-brimmed hats or fascinators add a touch of glamour to their attire.
