Independence Day sees surge in attendance
The Independence Cup is always a colourful day at Pune. This year, with the race falling on a Sunday, and clear weather, a cumulative attendance between Mumbai/ Pune of over 8,000 – up 20% on last year- had a grand afternoon.
The Bharucha family, who run PRA, were present in full force and appeared delighted with the association. With an increased contribution, the prize money surged past the 1 million mark, and the idea of converting the race to a Million proved a huge success. To cross the guaranteed stakes in Class IV over a 2,000m trip was no mean achievement and the race is well on its way on strengthening its already enviable reputation.
There was a special flavour to the day as the Army Band strummed the National Anthem before the trophy presentation and there was more fanfare with the presence of the G-o-C in C and the Sub Area Commander Brig Rajbir Singh did the honours for the Sub Area Commander’s Trophy.
The Paranjape family were equally prominent on Saturday for their sponsored Eve Champion Trophy which saw a stunning upset. This was Paranjape’s second successive year of sponsorship. The Governor of Maharashtra added an official touch to Saturday’s proceedings and His Excellency and his wife were at the course for over an hour and appeared to enjoy their first visit to a race course.
The momentum builds up to the Jewel Square sponsored General Rajendrasinhji Million, where a live fashion show brought by Major Brands will bring glitz and glamour coming Sunday.
