Indias biggest racing event celebrates its Platinum Jubilee - By Vivek Jain
Posted on - 03 Feb 2017
India’s biggest racing event celebrates its Platinum Jubilee
By Vivek Jain
It is the time of the year when the RWITC hosts one of its grandest and most eagerly looked forward to events- TheIndian Derby now in its 75th year. The famous race, of iconic status, got a new nomenclature last year, thanks to our tireless efforts to bring on board two giant liquor giants together under an integrated banner- The Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby partnered by Signature, to retain its rightful place at the top of the sporting pyramid, when all seemed lost not so long ago.
D-Day has already started breaking records before the 14 horse field breaks through the gates. The prize money, swept past the 1 crore barrier in 2007, jumped to over 2 crore in 2010 and hurtled past 3 crore in 2013. This year’s purse of over Rs.3.36 crore makes it, by far, one of India’s biggest sporting events, and surely makes the race as the fastest sport to scoop such a lavish sum in just over two minutes of exhilarating speed!
Full credit for the magnificent growth of the Derby to its present stature must go to Dr Vijay Mallya, who as Chairman of United Spirits first sponsored the Derby in 1985, and his passion and zeal both for the sport and for the Signature brand, made the race what it is today.
The Weekend Racing Carnival will be staged in its now customary pomp and splendor, which makes the RWITC a runaway leader in promoting its race days with such grandeur. In addition to live performances by well known artists on both days, the Yellow Festival café with food courts and bars will dot the Mahalaxmi landscape, which abutts the sweep of the Arabian Sea. A Honda City car is up for grabs in the contest of skill, and in the Ultra Zone you can win free betting vouchers, and there is a first time special 5 lakh cash prize to mark the great 75th. And carry forward pools of 30 lakhs to the jackpot + 15 lakhs in the super will result in a beeline to the tote windows.
The Club has pulled out all the stops to make it a day to remember for upwards of 25,000 will fill up all the spaces on the sprawling lawns. A media blitz, topped off by live coverage on Neo Sports and our new partner, Wion and added coverage by ET Now, will bring all the action to millions of homes, but nothing can beat the electrifying on ground atmosphere that the Day brings. The relaxed dress code and reduced mobile entry fee is in deference to attract the young and fashionable, so expect flowery hats and skirts, linen jackets and designer shoes, where it will be de riguer to see and be seen!
There will be the Cuban Brothers from the U.K., the much loved Lucky Ali, Shadab Faridi of Sultan fame, Bollywood group Madhyaam and the stunning Sunny Leone. All in a carnival setting with enough ammuinition to hear a war cry as the first shots are fired when the gates open. Serjeant at Arms will be the top fancy taking on a General (Supreme) and a lady, Hall of Famer, who has dared to cross swords with the boys. It will be defeaning as the battle plays out in front of the Members Stands just past 5.15 p.m. on Sunday.
