Mumbai season from Tuesday

The Mumbai racing season 2012-13 which was scheduled to start on Nov. 18 will now commence on Tuesday (Nov. 20). The advertised stakesmoney for the 43-day season is about Rs 15.6 crores.

The RWITC has increased stakemoney/incentives. Stakes have been enhanced across the board in each class and the performance bonus of 25 per cent has been retained. In addition, the service tax liability on stakes will be reimbursed by the Club and the maintenance cost subsidy of Rs. 1,000 per month per horse has been extended. The cumulative monetary benefit is about Rs 10 crores a year to the owners.

The stabling area and the race track are well prepared for the start of the season. A brand new Jockeys’ Room will be operational from the opening day. A new bund school has been created near the swimming pool, which will be a boon for trainers. Certain stables have been renovated, as the first phase of a long term plan.

The Indian Derby weekend, the biggest in Indian racing, enters a fresh five year cycle with the UB Group, which celebrated 25 years of continuous sponsorship a few seasons ago. The race, this year should nudge over the Rs 3 crore mark in prize money, making it one of the richest sporting events in the country.

Important races of the season: Indian 1000 Guineas (Gr.I) on Dec. 16, Indian 2000 Guineas (Gr.I) on Dec. 23, Indian Oaks (Gr.I) on January 20, 2013, McDowell Signature Premier Indian Derby (Gr.I) on Feb. 3, Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi-Million (Gr.I) on Feb.24 and Forbes Breeders’ Juvenile Fillies’ Championship and Shapoorji Pallonji Breeders’ Juvenile Colts’ Championship on March 17, 2013.

Racing dates: Nov. 20, 22, 25 and 29; Dec. 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27 and 30; Jan. 3, 6, 10, 15, 20 and 24; Feb. 2, 3, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24 and 27; March 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28 and 31; April 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28.