Becket back on show - By S Awasthi I TNN
Posted on - 25 Dec 2010
Becket back on show
By S Awasthi I TNN
Mumbai: The Mumbai racing enthusiasts will get to see superhorse Becket in action again at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse this Sunday.
The superstar, who beat wonder filly Jacqueline in the Indian Turf Invitation Cup last March, will be taking part in the historic Maharaja Jiwajirao Scindia Trophy, a grade 3 race for horses three-year-old and upwards and sponsored by Rohan Lifescapes. Eleven top quality thoroughbreds will challenge Becket for the honours.
Rohan Lifescapes, one of the leading players in the real estate sector, will light up the afternoon this Sunday as they will kick off a series of million races for juveniles this season with the running of the NN Mehta Sprint Millions for two-yearold horses.
The first million for juveniles has attracted 13 youngsters and is expected to be an interesting race giving an insight about the calibre of the new crop.
It is expected that state industry minister Narayan Rane will be Rohan Lifescapes' guest of honour at the prize distribution. "It is great that Rohan Lifescapes is continuing their valuable association with the Royal Western India Turf Club this year and we are delighted at their sponsorship of two Million races. We are also happy to welcome Narayan Rane as their guest of honour," said Vivek Jain, chairman, RWITC. In addition leading Bollywood hunk, Saif Ali Khan will once again grace the turf.
The RWITC, in association with Volkswagen Downtown, also gives a leg up to its season-long innovative contest which kicks off on Sunday with the VW Vento and VW Polo to be won at the end of March.
RWITC raises 15 lakhs in ‘Racing For A Cause’
In a path breaking effort, the RWITC, in association with Casino Royale, raised over Rs 15 lakhs for the Happy Home for the Blind, in a charity drive on the Indian 2000 Guineas day, last Sunday.
A raffle at the races, which had the draw of lucky winners who became horse owners for the day, also had contributions by owners’ stake winnings, and by the Committee and members of the Club. It gave the Club a new social face. Casino Royale topped the kitty and a giant cheque was presented to the Happy Home. Jain said this was a fore runner for many more such endeavours. “We want to build the club’s image and will drive up our social responsibility efforts as a corporate citizen should.”
The theme of Racing for a Cause is now bound to catch on.
