The Mumbai racing season 2014-15 will commence from November 16 and end on April 26, 2015. The advertised prize money for the 43 race days is about Rs. 24 crore, up from Rs. 19.6 crore last year.
After adding performance bonus, sweepstakes and the extra payout for divided races, the actual disbursement will cross Rs. 30 crore, making the payout the highest at a single racing season anywhere in the country. The race track is well laid and the estate management of RWITC is all set for the start.
Mr. Vivek Jain, Chairman, RWITC, while briefing the press on Friday said “The club maintains its leadership position in attracting record sponsorships and alliances, and the season ahead will be no exception. Contributions will cross Rs. 12.5 crore. Virtually every weekend of racing over the five and half month season will feature a sponsored race.”
He also stated that “ the Indian Derby weekend (Jan 31 and Feb 1, 2015) is the biggest in Indian racing and the UB Group is approaching 30 years of continuous sponsorship of the mega event. The race this year will cross the Rs. 3.5 crore mark in prize money.”
“It is the turn of the Indian Turf Invitation Cup Weekend 2015, by rotation, to be held in Mumbai on February 28 and March 1, 2015. It will be sponsored by OMKAR Realtors and Developers Pvt. Ltd” he added.
Champions DayMr. Jain further added “for the first time in the history of Indian racing, a “Champions Day” a la Ascot will be held, promoted by Blue Star Diamonds. Three graded races and two millions and a celebratory race will add up to a fabulous day in racing. The graded races will cover a sprint, middle distance and a stayers race”.
The first two Indian Classics of the season would see new sponsors this season — the New Hope Indian 1000 Guineas and ABV Nucleus Indian 2000 Guineas. Another crowd-puller of the season, the Poonwalla Breeders’ Multi-Million, will be held on February 22.
Racing dates: November: 16, 20, 23, 27 & 30. December: 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25 & 28. January: 1, 4, 8, 14, 18, 24 & 31. February: 1, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22 & 28. March: 1, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, & 29. April: 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 & 26.
Important races: New Hope Indian 1000 Guineas (Dec. 14), ABV Nucleus Indian 2000 Guineas (Dec. 21); Raymond Million (Jan. 4), R.R. Ruia Gold Cup (Jan. 4), WIROHA Million (Jan. 4), Villoo Poonawalla Indian Oaks (Jan. 18), Kunigal Breeders Produce Stakes (Jan. 31); McDowell Signature Indian Derby (Feb. 1), Dr. S.C. Jain Sprinters Championship, Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Eclipse Stakes Of India and R.N. Kanga Gold Trophy (Feb. 8), Poonawalla Breeders Multi-Million (Feb. 22), Omkar Sprinters’ Cup (Feb. 28), Omkar Stayers’ Cup (Feb. 28); Omkar Indian Turf Invitation Cup (Mar. 1), Maj. P.K. Mehra Memorial Super Mile Cup (Mar. 1), Suresh Mahindra Multi-Million (Mar. 1), C.N. Wadia Gold Cup (Mar. 8), Forbes Breeders Juvenile Fillies’ Championship and Shapoorji Pallonji Breeders Juvenile Colts’ Championship (Mar. 15), Tata Housing Turf Championship (Mar. 29) and Season Ending Juvenile Million (Apr. 26).
