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| Money makes the derby run |
| BS Reporter / Apr 12, 2009, 00:59 IST |
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If it wasn’t for prize money, horse racing would be dead. It is the winnings that help in training and grooming the fabulous horses that compete in races.
While elsewhere in the world there are loud demands for racecourses to increase prize money, in India the McDowell Signature Indian Derby, held in Mumbai every year, has increased its prize money to Rs 1.75 crore, with the winner walking away with Rs 1 crore. The derby is being held this Easter weekend. The derby sees fillies and colts no older than four years competing.
The Melbourne Cup, one of the most prestigious races, has also increased its prize money to $3.3 million for the winner. The Dubai Cup has a prize purse of $6 million.
This increased prize money for the derby should be seen in context. The first Indian Derby had a purse of Rs 35,000. Vijay Mallya started sponsoring the event in 1985 and it was won by Revelation that year. The jockey astride Revelation that year was Pesi Shroff. The Mahalaxmi racecourse where the derby is held has been accorded heritage status.
Speaking at the press conference to announce details of the derby, Vijay Mallya described this year’s event as being “bold and beautiful.” He said, “It’s bold because it’s fiercely competitive. The horses, the jockeys, the trainers stake everything they have on that one run, and there is no room for error. And it’s beautiful because of the carnival-like ambience, the fashion and glamour and high life that is on parade on the day.”
Since Mallya’s company took over, the derby has also become something of a fashion statement. Each year, not just the horses, but the women who attend the derby are eagerly photographed for their clothes.
If the humidity of Mumbai threatens to be a damper for all the fashionistas, the organisers this year, for the first time, have got an airconditioned enclosure. And Mallya has also added more fizz to the derby by introducing a signature cocktail called Saddle Up, named after one of his horses.
With a bigger purse than ever, this year is bound to be better than before.
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