Taking a cue from the above, I had the RWITC Committee deliberate and
finally come to a unanimous agreement for a true makeover of the
Invitation weekend. Other than a recommended increase in prize money
by 50% from the present levels for the Invitational races, our chief
recommendation was to convert the Invitation Cup itself to a
weight-for-age race for four year olds and over, rather than
restricting it to just the classic crop.
There are several reasons for this. The Indian Derby, already the
richest of the Derbies, will get a further boost with United Spirits
having signed a multi-crore five year sponsorship with the RWITC. In
effect, the stakes for the Indian Derby will spiral up from 2008
itself, and a one crore prize to the winner in the near future is a
clear possibility. At this level, the Indian Derby will further
strengthen its status as the four year old championship race, leaving
the Turf Invitation Cup way behind. To duplicate the same set of
runners for a lower purse is hardly the way to justify its position as
the four year old championship.
In addition, India lacks a true high class inter-generation classic,
such as the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe or the Dubai World Cup. A newly
structured Invitation Cup by opening it to older horses could well
meet this void. Champion four year olds will not be prematurely
exported and the top fillies would delay their retirement to the
paddocks. A clash of the generations in early March is a mouth
watering prospect and would match the Derby's pull and interest. With
a purse of Rs 75 lacs to 1 crore as is envisaged, it would be just the
right infusion to give this race the boost it deserves.
Traditionalists may oppose this path breaking idea, but the time has
surely come to give Indian racing a race of this stature. In fact, it
may become easier to find a top class sponsor for such a generational
race, as it will be unique and competitive. We are hoping that other
clubs give credence to the RWITC's proposal to pave the way for this
long overdue change.
