Maureen Wadia's conception of a fashion show alongside horses at the race course had made a nervous debut in the early 90s. It was an instant hit and had the massess enthralled. The Bombay-Dyeing Gold Cup as it was called those days, is today one of the highlights of the already top class prospectus of the Mumbai Meeting. Sunday the 9th of March will be a unique day at the races since a completely contrary event will be given prominence by the caring Ms. Wadia. There are scores of physically challenged little children who bare a lot of pain in their tender lives. The Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital has for decades looked after the welfare of this under-privileged kids and Maureen has been gracious enough to utilise the RWITC platform to confer award to these little lion-hearted children for their bravery in putting up a fight with cruel fate!

The traditional C.N.Wadia Gold Cup, named after the visionary who was responsible for the development of the Grand Stand at Mahalaxmi and who played a significant role in the growth of Mahalaxmi as a racing center of eminence, will be run on Sunday, March 9th.

The Wadia family who have supported this race for decades will once again bring a lot of fanfare to the day. Maureen Wadia, the moving force in making it a day to remember every year,stated that it is natural for the Group to support this event, named after Sir Cusrow Wadia, and are proud to be associated with it. The race was run for years as The Bombay Dyeing C.N.Wadia Gold Cup, but is now being supported by the Group

Vivek Jain, head of Stewards and Marketing, stated that the C.N.Wadia Day is always looked forward to by the fraternity as it combines sport with a fashion and fun fiesta with a liberal dose of glamour. Mr. Jain added, "We converted the race to a million last year, not only in recognition of its status but also to give a boost to our races for older horses." The C.N.Wadia is Western India's leading mile and a half race open to horses above the classic age. It is a Grade 2 event.

This year's running of the Wadia Cup will be the richest in its history, with the purse crossing 1 million, to over 1.3 million. Mrs. Wadia will showcase her Gladrags models with a fashion preview and will top it with the unique and hugely popular children song and dance show. The Bravery Awards for the physically challenged will add a sombre touch to be presented to children from the Bai Jerbai Wadia Children's Hospital in the paddock.

The contest this year will offer a huge upgrade with a Maruti Zen as the top prize, with other prizes including trips to Go Air destinations and hampers from Bombay Dyeing. The contest will be open to the members and public enclosure. Entrants will have to predict the first three in the C.N.Wadia Million, and will get a form for every Rs 300 bet on the tote.

The C.N.Wadia Gold Cup is being supported by Bombay Dyeing, Go Air, Britannia and Bombay Burmah, all part of the Wadia Group. To make it a truly family day there will be a special amusement area for children as well.