Racing
fever at Pune reaches its high point with the running of The
S.A.Poonawalla Million, a Grade 2 event on Sunday (September 17).
Popularly known for the glamour and style associated with the day, the
race attracts not only racing buffs but also the casual visitor, who
gets a chance to ogle at the bevy of beauties and of course, and with a
bit of luck drive away with a free car!
The S.A.Poonawalla is named after the late Soli Poonawalla, father of
Dr.Cyrus and Mr.Zavaray Poonawalla, who have rocketed the Poonawalla
Farms to the top of the breeding pyramid. The race, the last of the prep
races before the Nanoli Pune Derby, has been run as a million race since
the late 1990s. The race carries a total purse of Rs.10 lakhs,
guaranteed by the Poonawalla Farms. In addition there are prizes worth
Rs.2.5 lakhs to be won.
The lure, as always will be the Maruti 800 car, which can be won by
those nominating the first four in the million, in correct order.
Several first timers have driven away in the car, so the interest from
the general public is high.
"The Poonawallas were the first to introduce the million concept with
the PBM in Mumbai, and this idea has spawned several millions all over
the country," said Mr Vivek Jain, head of RWITC's Marketing Working
Group.
Mr.Zavaray Poonawalla, who is the real force behind promoting the PBM
and The S.A.Poonawalla as days of style and glamour, is enthusiastic as
ever. "We want to bring the glamour back and give all race goers a day
to remember." Prizes for the best-dressed will add a touch of razmatazz
and chic faces are expected to be part of the crowd.
Surprisingly a smallish field of six will come under starters orders,
and perhaps the dominating presence of Secret Memory, already being
touted as a Derby winner, has scared away the opposition!
