The biggest race day of the year is here the McDowell Signature Indian Derby. In its new avatar, with Signature the promoting brand, Indian racing's crown jewel goes up several notches this year.
The biggest race day of the year is hereu00a0the McDowell Signature Indian Derby. In its new avatar, with Signature the promoting brand, Indian racing's crown jewel goes up several notches this year.
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Move your body, baby! Foreign dancers perform during the Indian Derby at Mahalaxmi race course last year.
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A record prize money of 187.25 lacsu00a0unprecedented in the history of the sport, and a mouth watering array of entertainment and leisure activities will almost surely ensure that all roads lead to Mahalaxmi on Sunday, as the adage goes.
A mega lifestyle event for the city of Mumbai, the weekend packs in unmatched grandeur with fashion, entertainment and sport on a mammoth scale. In deference to the April heat (the race is usually run in early February) a 16,000 sq ft air conditioned hangar will keep visitors in cool spirit, and tie and jackets can comfortably be doffed aside for cooler linens and casuals.
The hangar will regale to the music of The Beatles, Cliff Richard and The Rolling Stones by international tribute performers and you can watch in awe at an aerial ballet or pick up some Salsa steps.
For the lucky onesAnd as luck is often known to have favoured first time visitors, you can drive home a dreamu00a0a Mercedesu00a0by merely getting the Derby first four right.
Racing will be the big draw as 19 races will be run and at stake will be about Rs 3 croreu00a0the highest ever for a weekend of racing in India.u00a0 The Derby itself will see a 15 horse field though the mighty presence of the all conquering and unbeaten Set Alight may make competition academic who looks poised to add to her owner and race sponsor Vijay Mallya's brilliant run this season at Mumbai.
However, even the place stakes is far from loose change and the runner-up picks up over 35 lacs, higher than what the Oaks winner got two weeks ago.
There is much on the sidelinesu00a0a Force India F1 prototype, a corner to learn about whiskies or to have your future read by a tarot card reader. Signature and Vodka bars will make for a heady afternoon and a Derby cocktailu00a0Saddle Up will be showcased. Fashion and glamour will rub shoulders with the magnificent thorough breds whose coats will carry an extra sheen as they sweat up to the start. It's a day to see and be seen. It's a day like no other.
Signature is about success, and what is in store is a stylish weekend that will set alight the imagination of the city.
(For home delivery of tickets e mail dysecretary@rwitc.com or watch the race live on CNBC=TV 18 at 4.30pm)
Vivek Jain is chairman, Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) media and marketing committee
