Mallya steps in to save Indian Derby
By Usman Rangeela
Mumbai Mirror
Following Diageo (India) controlled United Spirits' (USL) recent decision to scale down its contribution to the Indian Derby, the marquee event in the country's horse-racing calendar, Vijay Mallya has played the saviour and decided to lend a helping hand to the Royal Western India Turf Club.
The Vivek Jain-led marketing sub-committee has finally managed to tie the loose ends of the Indian Derby's co-sponsorship issue and convinced Mallya to keep the brand equity of the richest and most glamorous event in the Indian equestrian arena intact.
Given Mallya's passion for horses and his stake in the sport as an owner and breeder, it didn't take long for Jain to lure him back into the mix of things surrounding the Derby. Mallya has committed to inject Rs10 crore over a two-year period for the Indian Derby. This contri bution will come through United Breweries (UBL) and as such the McDowell Signature Indian Derby will now carry the tag of Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby.
LUCRATIVE DEAL
According to the deal struck with UBL, the club will get Rs 5 crore each in 2016 and 2017 out of which Rs 3 crore will be added to the Indian Derby prize money and the rest will be given to RWITC for its marketing spend.
The current deal is a lucrative one for UBL as they have not only got the Indian Derby brand ing deal in their kitty but the rights of an associate sponsor for the club's 20-day night-racing programme as well.
Another significant development that could augur well for horse-racing is that both RWITC and UBL have agreed to shoulder the individual responsibilities of promoting the sport and increase its visibility through print and electronic media. While UBL has agreed for a full-scale promotion of nightracing, Jain has assured both USL and UBL that he won't be lacking in any effort to make the Derby weekend a stellar event.
Announcing this crucial development through a press release, Jain said: “It's a huge triumph for the club. The entire credit of this development goes to Dr Vijay Mallya for his initiative in assisting us to ensure that the prominence of the Derby is not diluted and its numero uno status remains intact. Mallya's contribution to Indian racing remains unmatched. I must thank Mohit Lalvani for his mediatory role between the club and UBL.“
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