The roar of the thundering hooves will be heard once again at the Mahalaxmi Race Course after a break of six months, as the Mumbai Racing Season will commence from November 18th 2018 and will end on April 14th 2019. In all 37 race days will be held including 12 evening race days.
Mr. Geoffrey B.Nagpal, Chairman, Stewards of the Club of RWITC, while briefing the press on Friday said “the Club this year has taken a decision to further increase the stakes money for the Mumbai racing season 2018-19 and the stakes will be at the highest level approved by the Turf Authorities of India. It is pertinent to mention that the stakes paid in Handicap races and Terms races for 2/3 year olds is on par with the stakes paid at the Hyderabad Race Club and Bangalore Turf Club Ltd. The total advertised stakes for the Mumbai racing season would be 13.25 crores, excluding the Indian Derby weekend races.”
He also stated that “The increase in stakes money for the Mumbai races alone would be approximately ₹2 crores. On most of the days in Mumbai, the Club will conduct 7 races and 100% stakesmoney will be paid for divided races as well. All races except the races in Class IV and Class V and races for maiden 3-year-olds (in 2018) are open to outstation horses.”
Ms. Zeenia Lawyer, Chairman, Marketing Committee RWITC, said “the Indian Derby weekend is scheduled to be held on 2nd and 3rd February 2019 and the sponsor for the Indian Derby continues to be M/s. United Breweries. The Kingfisher Indian Derby day will also have one Grade 2 race and two Grace 3 races. The weekend will have 10 Million races and 5 Multi-Million races.”
The Annual Auction Sale of 2-year-olds Indian Thoroughbred will be held in Mumbai during the month of February post Indian Derby weekend.
Other Important races to be run during the season are The Spartan Poker Indian 1000 Guineas(Gr.1) (Dec.9) and the Villoo Poonawalla Indian 2000 Guineas (Gr.1) (Dec.16). Hindustan Times Palate Fest Indian Oaks (Jan.20), Dr. S.C.Jain Sprinters’ Championship (Gr.2) (Feb.10), Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi-Million (Gr.1) (Feb.24).
Dates of Racing : November : 18, 25 & 29; December: 2, 9, 13, 16, 21*, 23 & 30; January: 3, 6, 10, 12, 18 *, 20 & 24; February: 2*, 3, 10, 15*, 17, 21, 24* & 27; March: 7*, 10, 14, 17, 21*, 24, 29* & 31; April: 6*, 7*, 13* & 14*. (* 12 Evening race days).
