Press Release for Pune Meeting 2011
Posted on - 15 Jul 2011
ROYAL WESTERN INDIA TURF CLUB FLAGS OFF SEASON OF RECORD PRIZE MONEY, SPONSORSHIPS
Statement by VIVEK JAIN, Chairman, RWITC, on the commencement of the Pune Racing Season 2011:
PRIZE MONEY
The advertised prize money of `7.38 crore is a new record for a Pune season. As the 2011 season is over 27days, as against 28 last year, this represents a 7.5% increase.
SPONSORSHIPS
The RWITC reaches a new landmark in contributions from sponsors at a single season at Pune. At `1.3 crore, sponsorships are up an impressive 25% over last year. Each weekend will feature a sponsored and/or graded race, as has been the norm the past few seasons. The RWITC remains most appreciative of our sponsors and partners to the Club.
THE McDOWELL INDIAN ST.LEGER
The highlight from the racing side, is the permanent and long overdue return of the last Indian Classic, The Indian St.Leger to Pune, its original home. The race was shifted to Mumbai in the1990s as part of the sponsored Triple Crown series, and its return to “home base” will give a big boost to the season. Rightfully sponsored by McDowell with a 2 million contribution, it will be run on the last Sunday of September.
THE NANOLI PUNE DERBY
The Pune Derby is synonymous with Nanoli Stud, who will be sponsoring Western India’s first classic for the new crop for the 15thyear in a row. The Dhunjibhoy family will, as always, also sponsor the Sprint Million on the same day, as an added bonus. The Derby weekend will also feature the hugely popular Oktoberfest, for the second year running, thanks to the munificence of the Indo German Chamber and its associates.
THE RACING PROGRAM
The season will feature a record number of millions and multi millions for each age category. For the classic crop, the three principal lead up races- the F.D.Wadia, General Rajendrasinhji and S.A.Poonawalla Trophies will all be multi millions/ millions. Three other millions are also earmarked for this age group. There will be a record eight millions/ multi millions for the older horses, who have deservedly got the recognition they deserve. And, yet again, Pune gets the privilege for playing host to the first two year old million race in the country.
INTERNATIONAL SPONSORSHIPS
Pune takes credit for attracting the highest number of international sponsorships. Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, Goffs, Coolmore Stud, Keeneland and Tattersalls, with an eye on the Indian breeders’ market, will all sponsor races, two of which are millions.
FIRST TIME SPONSORS
While the RWITC takes great pride in welcoming our traditional sponsors back, we must thank several first time entrants. Vascon, Threptin, Ista and Tattersalls - welcome aboard!
HOSPITALITY AND MEDIA PARTNERS
The RWITC is perhaps the only racing Club in India to strive for, and obtain, a range of hospitality and media partners. Pune 2011 is no exception, with The O Hotels, Ista Hotels, Radio One, DNA and ET NOW partnering us to spread the good word for the sport and the Club. Races will be run to acknowledge their most valued association.
The Club will host, as each year, The Fourth Estate Trophy in recognition of the important role the media plays in the promotion of racing. We have named two trophies - Pegasus and Eugened’ Avoine, noted journalists who covered racing, on the same day, in their memory.
LIVE TELECAST
The agreement with ET NOW, for live coverage of our biggest and best events extends at Pune for the McDowell Indian St.Leger and The Nanoli Stud Pune Derby, both of which will be telecast live.
SOCIAL MEDIA and TRIBE@TURF
The RWITC will continue its presence on Facebook and Twitter, with improved content and timely updates. The Club’s new, innovative endeavour,Tribe@Turf, to encompass a broader community to racing and our premises, will make its first impact at Pune, with atleast three non racing events lined up, that will enthrall the fraternity and Puneites.
RWITC.COM
The Club’s web site is now reckoned to be amongst the best in the country, with several firsts to our credit. In addition to live streaming of the entire race card, we have redesigned the home page to give it a more slick, modern look. We will continue to add features and style to make the site of international standard.
INFRASTRUCTURE
After importing the best starting gates in the world in Mumbai, we have gone further and will replace the track and paddock railings with about the best in the game. This will improve safety for the horses and add to the look and feel of the course. The popular LED Screen will once again be placed across the track. The Club has hired space in Sopan Baug for stables to cater for the enhanced numbers in training. A significant upgrade at the Turf Club House is on the anvil.
ASSOCIATES
Jaws Events, as always, will handle most of our events and Hundred Percent PR will manage media relations. Ashvin Gidwani Productions and Naked Communications will join together to assist in our endeavours on social media, tribe@turf and other social events.
We hope this will be a season as no other, and the Committee is committed to bring you the best racing in the monsoon, packed with leisure and entertainment throughout the season.
