05 February,2010 07:30 AM IST | | Vivek Jain
It's time to dust your hats and pull out your finest attire. For, it's Derby time! The 2010 McDowell Signature Indian Derby is on the verge breaking one record after another and be the perfect showcase of what a racing event of this magnitude is all about.
From the prize money to the entertainment, the quality of the race to the record crowd expected, it has the makings of a real humdinger. The well-documented Rs two crore-plus purse for the Derby has not only set a new benchmark for a single sporting event in the country, but is now big enough to attract foreign horses should the rules not have restricted the race to only Indian breds.
Making a run for the over Rs 1.25 crore winner's purse will be a dozen top four-year-olds, including Jacqueline, who is bidding to create thoroughbred racing history should she win the race, having won all the three Indian Classics run so far. It is believed no horse has ever won the first four classics in a row, and her form suggests that a new landmark will be established.
From the Royal Western India Turf Club's perspective, it will be a momentous occasion as we celebrate the completion of an unprecedented, uninterrupted 25-year run of sponsorship of India's premier race by the UB Group who have been the Club's long-time supporter. Once again, it would be a record of sorts to have a single entity sponsor an event of this scale for this duration, and we hope to uncork champagne on the victory dais in honour of this grand achievement.
As all of Mumbai descends on Mahalaxmi's green turf, the casual visitors will gape with awe at the massive 16,000sq ft air-conditioned tent that will be the buzz of activity over the two-day carnival. Tribute acts to Michael Jackson and Tina Turner, illusion display, music and cocktails will hold centrestage in cool comfort. The flea market inside makes it easy to spend time between races that can also be witnessed on the large screen.
And as repeats take place in the paddock, the entire 25,000-plus crowd will get a taste of the action.
u00a0From the unique Breakfast with Champions to a post position draw featuring a ramp walk by the jockeys, we have ensured a heady lead-up to Derby Day. The city has hoardings all over heralding the big day and we have ensured the media blitz carries on through the weekend and after. It's a rare day where such high-class sport rubs shoulders with leisure and entertainment of equal standard making for a heady mix, for which the RWITC is becoming increasingly identified with.
Vivek Jain is RWITC chairman.
