The future is so bleak there is not even hope in the air. The dark clouds figuratively hanging over the sport of horse racing seem to get more menacing with every passing month as horses are leaving the Mahalaxmi Racecourse in droves to look for other pastures - not necessarily greener, but making slightly better economic sense for their owners who pay the bills.

The most prestigious racing season of the country which once showcased close to 50 days of packed action is now truncated to 37 days as it gets underway tomorrow at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse.