With highest prize money of Rs 11.5 crore in monsoon races, the 28 race-day Pune racing has began from today.
Also, the minimum prize money for Grade-3 races has been enhanced to Rs. 15 lakh and for Grade-2 to Rs 20 lakh in line with the recommendation of the Turf Authorities of India (TAI). Hence the bigger races get a boost.
The prize money is highest in India of all monsoon races which take place at Mysore, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai.
The performance incentive payable to owners at 30 per cent is also now payable to fourth placed horses.
The payout will be over Rs 2 crore on the enhanced stakes sanctioned last year.
“The prize money payout is expected at about Rs. 11.5 crore, not including sweepstakes, and on par with the last racing season, and probably the highest for a monsoon racing centre in India. The performance incentive payable to owners at 30 per cent is also now payable to fourth placed horses. The payout will be over Rs 2 crore on the enhanced stakes sanctioned last year. The RWITC remains most appreciative of its contributors and partners who add a special dimension to the sport”, said Vivek Jain, chairman Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC).
He added, “It has to be emphasized that in view of the general cut-down in marketing budgets across the board by several corporates, and the unfamiliarity with the sport makes it always difficult to attract sponsorships of the magnitude expected by the Club. Inspite of the external environment, the club has done well in scheduling a packed season of top races over the entire three months.”
The club has spent Rs 3 crore for refurbishing the racing track.
The entire track is converted into a monsoon track with proper cambering. The multi layred track has been re-laid and covers the entire running area.
A large LED screen will be be placed across the track.
