The 28-day Pune monsoon season will be held from July 15 to October 23. This year's prize money is Rs. 6.92 crores which is slightly higher than the gross stakes paid last year over 29 days.
Mr. Vivek Jain, Chairman, RWITC, said “the Club continues to scale new peaks in the field of sponsorships. We have confirmed contributions of Rs. 1 Crore — a new high. The highlights of the sponsorship includes, that once again every week-end of racing will feature a graded and sponsored race. First time sponsors at Pune are McDowell, Khushro Jalnawala, Jewel Square Enterprises, Radio One and Kolte Patil. Almost all other traditional sponsors have continued their association.”
He also said that “as always the Grade I Nanoli Stud Pune Derby will be the season's highlight and will be run on October 10. The total prize money is expected to be nearly Rs. 75 lakhs. After a gap of many years, an Indian classic returned to Pune last year when the Indian St. Leger was run due to the delayed Mumbai season. I am happy to inform that the Committee of RWITC has unanimously agreed to move the Indian St. Leger permanently to its original location at Pune from 2011.”
“This year, the traditional Independence Cup gets a fitting boost with a 1 million purse, making it the country's richest handicap race. We are thankful to PRA Reality who have confirmed a three year sponsorship for this race” he added.
Another attraction of the season, the S.A.Poonawalla Multi-Million will be run on September 12. On this day the Club has framed the Villoo C.Poonawalla Gold Trophy race in memory of late Villoo C. Poonawalla, wife of former chairman of RWITC Mr. Cyrus S. Poonawalla.
Racing dates:
July: 15, 16, 22 and 23.
August: 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29.
September: 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26.
October: 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 22 and 23.
