Mumbai horse racing season starts this Sunday

MUMBAI: With the worst days owing to Covid-19 almost over, the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) is all set to start the Mumbai Horse racing season 2022-23 from Sunday, November 20. The 22-day long season, which will have 11 days of racing under the lights, will get over on April 2, 2023.
The season will see five Group 1 races and other Group 2 and 3 races along with multiple sponsored races.The stakes money on offer will be the highest in the country, a clear sign of RWITC being well on road to recovery.
Thanks to the efforts of the Shiven Surendranath-led marketing team, all the major races already have sponsors. With Betway chipping in to sponsor Indian 1000 and 2000 Guineas, the Indian Oaks will continue to be sponsored by Poonawallas. The biggest race of the season, the Indian Derby, will have a new sponsor in Jagatjit Industries Limited which has committed to sponsoring it for the next five years.
As a path-breaking initiative, there will be virtually no restrictions on outstation horses coming and participating in races at the Mahalaxmi racecourse.
In another major development, the RWITC has decided to allow free entry to all the Members/Owners/Trainers on all Mumbai race days including no charges for carrying mobile phones. The guests of the member will have to pay Rs 400 only (including mobile phone).
The RWITC will also have popup with food, drinks, and entertainment, which will start shortly after the season begins, on all Mumbai race days, in the members’ enclosure.
Major races: Betway Indian 1000 Gunieas (Dec 11), Betway Indian 2000 Guineas (Dec 18), Villoo C. Poonawalla Indian Oaks (Jan 15), Indian Derby (Feb 5), Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi-Million (Feb 26).
Racing schedule:
November: 20 & 27
December: 4, 11, 18 & 25
January: 6*, 15, 21 & 22*
February: 4, 5*, 12, 19, 25* & 26*
March: 9*, 12*, 19* & 26*
April: 1* & 2*.
*evening race days.