Guindy Race Course

Guindy Race Course is a very nice locality. All required amenities readily available. It is very close to the railway station. This is the oldest racecourse in the country. A large iron horseshoe welcomes visitors at the entrance of the Madras Race Club(MRC). Televisions hang from metal holders before many booths where bets are placed and names are staked.

The land was taken from the Adyar villages of Venkatapuram and Velachery. Racing became irregular and almost stopped soon after it had begun in the 1770s. This was a result of Hyder Ali, who came within striking distance of Madras. A few years later, 35 cawnies were added and two race courses came up — a smaller one to train horses and the other with a stand to watch the races. The club now has about 625 horses in the station, three stands and boasts of the best race track in the country.

The racing season begins in November and goes on till March after which races are conducted in Ooty between April and June. A monsoon season has been introduced with races being conducted between August and October. “Sir Lester Piggott”, who is considered the world’s greatest jockey, has ridden here and commented that MRC has the best track in India. Many people with membership opt for this place for lodging. There is a lot of shopping spots nearby. Tariff is also reasonable with safety, comfort, and cleanliness.