It’s that time of the year again to keep weekend free for the Indian DerbyPUNE: A bevy of beauties, mostly from Australia, and international performers will throng the Mahalaxmi Race Course for the two-day Indian Derby, which kicks off on Saturday.
To re-run last year’s event, wherein the Samba girls stole the thunder, this year’s edition has roped in international glamour artists for the mega event, according to Vivek Jain, chairman of stewards, RWITC. Jain added that foreign groups will also perform on Sunday, the D-day of the Derby. Ryan Moore, who was astride Mystical in the Dubai race along with five other foreign jockeys, will be riding different horses in the 66th edition of the Derby.
The McDowell-sponsored event has a total prize money of Rs 138.75 lakh, with the winner taking home Rs 83.25 lakh, and the runner-up going home richer by Rs 25 lakh.
The event is likely to attract 18 runners with Frankie Dettori riding Retribution. Bourbon King, Hotstepper, Retribution and Sweeping Success are the main runners for this mega event which also has many grabs for the common race-goers.
The grand prize — a C-class Mercedes Benz — awaits the winner in a contest of skill to those who predict the first three winners, besides a Maruti Swift for Saturday’s race.
Jain adds that this year’s Derby has scaled several new highs, a record purse, top international riding talents, unprecedented prizes, all coupled with world class entertainment.
“The McDowell Indian Derby is more than a horse racing event. It is India’s much-awaited rendezvous for the rich and famous,” says Vijay Mallya, chairman of the UB Group.
