Richest Juvenile prize awaits at Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi Million showpiece
Joe Williams
Mumbai
The stage is set for one of the most eagerly awaited afternoons on the Indian racing calendar as the Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi Million (Gr 1), the richest race for juveniles in the country, returns to the iconic Mahalaxmi Racecourse on February 22. With a glittering purse and a reputation for unveiling the brightest young stars, the race has long been regarded as the first real glimpse of tomorrow’s champions.
This year’s renewal promises not only high-class racing but also a festive day out for racegoers. There will be free entry for ladies, along with an exciting contest of skills where fans can predict the first four winners in the correct order. Get it right, and you could drive home a brand-new Toyota Glanza as the top prize—adding an extra layer of thrill to an already electric afternoon.
Instituted by the Breeders’ Association of India, the Multi Million has, over the years, grown into a race that shapes the future of the Indian turf. Many of its past winners have gone on to dominate the classics, and victory here is often seen as both a badge of honour and a sign of bigger things to come.
This season’s field is expected to feature a competitive line-up of precocious youngsters from the country’s leading stables. With only a handful of starts to their names, these two-year-olds will be tested not just for speed, but also for temperament and class under the pressure of a big-race atmosphere.
“This is the race every breeder and owner of a two-year-old looks forward to,” said a senior official from the Breeders’ Association of India. “The Multi Million is not just about prize money. It’s about prestige, about proving the strength of Indian breeding, and about spotting the next generation of classic contenders.”
Top trainers are already fine-tuning their charges, balancing fitness with freshness in the final days before the big event. “Juveniles can be unpredictable, but that’s what makes this race so exciting,” said one leading conditioner. “You’re dealing with raw talent. The one who handles the occasion and the pace of the race best usually comes out on top.”
Owners, too, view the race as a major milestone. “Winning the Multi Million is a dream for any owner,” said a prominent turf patron. “It brings instant recognition. Many champions have passed through this stage, and you always feel you might be watching a future Derby or classic winner.”
Beyond the competition, the Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi Million has become a celebration of Indian breeding and the sport itself. The day traditionally draws large crowds, with racing enthusiasts, families, and industry stakeholders coming together for an afternoon of colour, excitement, and high-quality racing at Mahalaxmi.
As the countdown begins, anticipation continues to build. On February 22, the spotlight will fall on a new generation of thoroughbreds, each carrying the hopes of their connections. By the end of the afternoon, one name will be etched into the honour roll—and perhaps begin a journey toward even greater glory on the Indian turf.
