Saturday under lights, Sunday under Sunlight - By Sanjay Shah | DNA
Posted on - 03 Feb 2017
Saturday under lights, Sunday under Sunlight
- By Sanjay Shah
DNA
The sport of horse racing meets glamour in its first weekend of February at the Mahalaxmi Race course. RWITC hosts a festive weekend of style, guts and unimaginable thrills on Saturday, 4th February and Sunday, February 5 — The Derby Day.
Lights, camera, action! For the first time in history a pre-Derby day will witness racing under the lights. The track lighting lux that matches the best in the world will be illuminated and thoroughbreds will go through their ultimate test of class as they make a dash towards the winning post to earn a million in prize money on each race on Saturday. When the lights come on at the Mahalaxmi race course, they give Mumbai its second queens necklace on the track.
Sunday will be the 75th year of the running of The Indian Derby. The real star of the day will be the equine. Serjeant at Arms, the colt stands out amongst top contenders jumping out of the gates and speeding up to the winning post.
Jockey David Allan astride Hall of Famer recently won the Kolkata Derby and this in form grey filly will also be right there in contention. Temerity, London, Mathayius, Mrs. Patmore and Sherlock — all top-class thoroughbreds will also be vying the big prize money of about Rs 3 crore.
Good luck to all who study the field and take a calculated guess. Yet, don’t forget all the variables of this multi-faceted sport – stamina, traffic, pace and luck of course! Finally, a single champion will emerge in less than 2 minutes and 30 seconds at The Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby 2017.
The bolting action and the charged atmosphere at the turf is certain to get the adrenalin gush. A host of international performers, music and big prizes add to the excitement and style of this weekend. Both visitors as well as equines will enjoy the cool sea breeze and a sundown experience.
The dress code is set to “impress”. Saturday will see men in sharp tailored suits and ladies in evening gowns. Sunglasses and hats will be flaunted during Derby day races on Sunday – an electric mix that makes a lasting impression for the rest of the season.
