PBMM - A true Classic Feel for Juveniles - By Mahendra Mallya
Posted on - 25 Feb 2012
PBMM – A true Classic Feel for Juveniles
By Mahendra Mallya
The Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi-Million (Gr 1) is a landmark ‘early-destination’ for young thoroughbreds. This race attracts the best of the current crop from across centres and is aptly conferred the status of no less a race than the Derby and is universally acclaimed the ‘Juvenile Derby.’ Inspired by the Million races such as the Cartier Million and the Magic Million run internationally, the Poonawallas brothers, Dr Cyrus Poonawalla and Mr Zavaray Poonawalla initiated this race that offered guaranteed stakes of over a million way back in 1992, thus setting off the trend of the ‘Million’ races. The Poonawalla Million as is was then called, needless to say, was a runaway success and the race grew in stature and prestige to acquire the Grade One status.
Whatever the Poonawallas do, they do it with grandeur and panache. Also, with their known hospitality consciousness, Dr Cyrus and Mr Zavaray actually invited the racing enthusiasts and public in general, offering free entrance to the racecourse. Along with this great gesture, they also introduced attractive prizes that the masses could win in an innovative “Contest of Skill” which to this day is a highpoint of the day. All one needs to do is predict the first four placing in the right order, by filling in free contest forms. The indulgence of the public has shot up over the years. The bumper prize of a car is a hugely attractive proposition and those who won it recall those moments with joy and are very emotional about sharing the podium space with the elite. Their moment of fame is etched into memories for life!
Mr MT Sarwankar, winner of the car last year, said with joy-filled tears, “I am extremely touched by the gesture of the Poonawalla family and this is a great moment for me. I can never forget this moment for the rest of my life and I extend my heartfelt good wishes to the Poonawalla family for bringing so much joy for people like me,” he said.
The Poonawallas have always showcased their day with aplomb with a comprehensive package of super races blended with high-end entertainment and glamour. Just as at the Derby, the PBMM day is another day when the non-regulars throng the racecourse. It is the day to come dressed in complete Sunday regalia with fancy hats to match. The formal dress code is jackets or tie for the men and you can expect to see well-tailored suits sported by most men in the grand stands. The ladies prance around fashionably, lending a colourful ambience to the racecourse. The PBMM receives top billing and the excitement is electrifying. The rush at the betting counters and also at the contest desk is ever present and with this year’s grand bumper prize of a Volkswagen Polo car, the demand for the contest forms is going to be high.
While the off the track hullabaloo is hot enough, the race itself has all the signs of a pot-boiler. Fifteen young horses are in the fray for their biggest assignment yet. Barring three runners the rest have winning credentials. There are horses from other centres too who have done well on their home-turf and will look to make a big impression at the prime centre. Top riding talent too will be on display as both international and top Indian jockeys will vie for honours. The wide and long Mumbai homestretch will ensure minimum hard-luck stories. It’s time of reckoning then, for the young aspirants and to show their mettle amongst tough opponents.
The Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi-Million is the richest race in the country for three-year-old horses. It is run over 1400 meters and always attracts a strong field. The winner will take home an attractive trophy, a rich purse and the title of the ‘leading Juvenile - 2012’.
A well-filled card of ten events is framed for the day. Fifteen three-year-olds will line up in the stalls for the “Juvenile Derby” and if you can crack the ‘judges’ frame code, you could drive your way back home in a brand new Volkswagen. The main horses to watch out for are Shivalik Hero, Southern Opinion, Hachiko and Days Best. They will be a formidable quartet to juggle with for the contest of skill nominations. Turf Lightning, Sharaarat and Borsalino may try to infiltrate the frame. It’s a tough race and surely winning a Polo car is not going to be easy, the fun is in attempting to win one though. However, the Poonawalla brothers deserve to be thanked for the opportunity, for they are the ones who brought this innovative idea into racing.
“We had taken it up with the breeding fraternity to bring in innovative ideas to promote Indian racing. The original one million guaranteed stakes has now grown to fourteen million! We have ideas to sprucing the stakes to the region of 25 million in the near future, provided the RWITC gives us due support. This year the Australians have come in to increase the chances of bi-lateral trade. Australian Minister for Innovation & Services, Ms Louise Asher and Ms Amanda, Vice-Chairperson of the Victoria Race Club that hosts the Melbourne Cup, will be our honoured guests. A big surprise is that Mr David Raphael will join our commentary team on the day to call the races. Ms Lisa Hayden top line Model and actress, Miss India 2009 Simran Kaur Mundi and the young and beautiful belle Ms Yanita will provide the glamour quotient to the big event,” said Mr Zavaray Poonawalla.
“In continuation with what Zavaray has stated, the race which was formulated in 1992 was mainly with a foresight to not only promote Indian racing, but also to initiate the concept of corporate sponsorship as was done internationally. This was much required for the sport to thrive. There was also the need to add to the financial kitty to boost the prize money. This move also increased both corporate and individual sponsorships. I am pleased to see scores of Million and Multi-Million races run all over the country which have been promoted in the best interests of the sport,” said Dr Cyrus Poonawalla. “Our original concept of adding fun and frolic, as also giving away prizes such as a car and other products are highly successful with the masses. This certainly was needed to pep up the attendance which is crucial for any sport. Other sponsors, especially in western India, have adopted this concept and this certainly adds colour to the event. We have distinguished guests and among them, Honourable Mr Harry Hubert, Chairman of British Thoroughbred Racing and Breeding, has consented to present the salver to the breeder of the winner of the Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi-Million,” added Dr Cyrus Poonawalla.
"To the Poonawalla brothers goes the credit of bringing style and class to the races and for introducing the Million concept itself. I am hoping they bring back the promotional efforts which can take this race day places," said Mr Vivek Jain.
The day certainly promises to provide high level thrills. Ten races would keep the adrenalin flow going right through the Sunday afternoon and with a good number of well-groomed ladies and gentlemen adding to the ambience of the race course, your diary certainly will have to be marked “Mahalaxmi Race course, must attend” on the slot for Sunday 1.30 pm.
TRIVIA:
Fillies have won this race 10 times
Trainer S Ganapathy & Jockey B Prakash have both won this event 4 times
Placerville & Razeen have both sired 4 winners of this race
Haunting Beauty is the only dam to have produced two winners viz: Six Speed & Haunting Memories of this race
