Record moolah for Derby - By Shailendra Awasthi I TNN
Posted on - 28 Jan 2011
Record moolah for Derby
By Shailendra Awasthi
Times Of India
28-01-2011
RWITC Secures 5-Yr Deal Worth 28 Crore
Mumbai: The Indian Derby has always promised grandeur and the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) is leaving no stone unturned in its attempt to keep it up. In a record deal in Indian racing history, the United Breweries Group, the sponsors of the Indian Derby over the last 27 years, has agreed to a shell out a record Rs 28 crore for the 2013-17 period.
The deal ensures that roughly Rs 3 crore will be the total stakes on offer for the 2013 Indian Derby with the winner getting around Rs 2 crore, which will be the biggest prize money on offer for a single individual winner in Indian sporting history.
“It is the biggest deal ever in Indian racing history or perhaps in Indian sporting history for a single event. It highlights the tremendous understanding between us and it also shows the faith that that UB group has in RWITC,” said Vivek Jain, chairman, RWITC.
The McDowell Indian Derby, to be run on February 6 next month, will also offer a purse of over Rs 2.25 crore as prize money and the winner is set to get around Rs 1.5 crore. That’s a cool sum for a two-and-a-half minute race.
Next month, the Derby action starts on the weekend of February 5 and 6. The top equine talent will be on show. With Pune Derby and Indian 2000 Guineas winner Ocean And Beyond, Indian Oaks winner Moonlight Romance, Bangalore Winter Derby winner Sun Kingdom and probably Calcutta derby winner Xisca entering the fray, the race for the coveted crown will be a thrilling experience. There will be many more serious contenders in the fray to challenge the fancied ones.
The big weekend will have great entertainment on offer off the track. Internationally-renowned performers are set to add their own version of thrill.
There will be a special appearance by Billy West, regarded as Europe’s No. 1 Freddie Mercury impersonator. He will pay tribute to the unrivalled frontman of Queen, one of the world’s greatest rock band.
Joining him will be Pussycat Dollies, who created the band as a tribute to the Pussycats Dolls.
The Shaolin Monks will showcase their artistry with agility and acrobatics. That’ll surely enthral the audience.
Derby Showcase
• A record purse of over Rs 2.25 crore on offer as prize money
• Winner set to take away Rs 1.5 crore, the biggest individual prize in Indian sporting history.
• Champion horses from Bangalore, Calcutta to compete with local superstar Ocean And Beyond and Moonlight Romance.
• Billy West, Europe’s No. 1 Freddie Mercury impersonator will showcase his talent.
