Centre takes possession of Delhi Race Club

New Delhi: Demolition work at the Delhi Race Club commenced in the morning hours on Thursday, shortly after the Centre took possession of the club’s 53-acre premises, marking a dramatic end to horse racing activities at the century-old institution. The Centre took possession of the premises on Lok Kalyan Marg in Lutyens’ Delhi after the Patiala House Court on Tuesday dismissed the club’s plea seeking an interim stay on the August 11 eviction order passed by an estate officer under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act.

The bulldozers brought down several historic structures at the club, including the stables, bookmakers’ ring, winning post, a photofinish camera, saddling enclosure and other facilities that were once at the heart of horse racing in Delhi, a club official said.