Sponsored Weekends at Pune off to a flyer
The first sponsored race day this season, The Jalnawala Race Day, was a brilliant success and one hopes a good sign for the season ahead.
The weekend attendance of 13,638 was good and up 10% on last year. The totalisator per race average turnover fell a moderate 4.5%, as against the average reduction of about 27% since the tax rate went up.
Khushro Jalnawala brought a special ambience to the day with three sponsored races, a host of prizes and a grand tea which was well attended.
Awarding prizes to syces and a medallion to the best turned out horse was a fine gesture, that was much appreciated.
The guest of honour was G-O-C in C, Southern Command, Lt,Gen A.K.Singh, who described his affinity for the sport, including equestrian, and his commitment to the RWITC.
The star of the weekend was undoubtedly the chestnut colt, Cardinal, who made nonsense of a sluggish start and obvious immaturity, making his 20 opponents in the Juvenile Million look very ordinary indeed. It is rare a juvenile makes such an impressive debut, and is destined for the big “uns, looking also to his impeccable pedigree.
It was good to see packed stands across the enclosures and a general revelry, enjoyed in excellent weather, typical of August in Pune.
