The McDowell Signature Indian Derby (Gr1), is one of the city’s highly awaited event. Since 1985, The McDowell Indian Derby has gained in popularity and generated terrific excitement amongst both the race goers and the non-race goers alike. Normally run on the first Sunday of February, the race despite the delay, will have tens of thousands of spectators queuing up to witness one legendary filly – Set Alight perform her most grueling test on the race track.

The race has a line up of 15 contenders. The famous roar as the gates fling open right across the grand stands is something to experience. And the cheering, the “come on so and so” shouts begins to build up even before the horses turn for home. One can barely make out what the commentator is calling as the noise of the strong crowd is truly deafening.

Every year Dr Vijay Mallya has ensured something new to enthrall the masses. This time too there will be a unique display of an aerial ballet. The music and other entertainment is well compiled for the day and what takes Dr Mallya’s efforts to another level is the thought given to the comfort of the attendees. This is April and the Mumbai summer heat is not exactly attractive for a Sunday afternoon outing. So how does Dr. Mallya plan to beat the heat? Well, he seems to have all the answers, a mega air conditioned hanger on the members lawns covering an area of 16,000 square feet, will provide the perfect screen from the hot afternoon sun. Every effort has been made to make this day a perfect Sunday outing for the entire family.

For the Music lovers, talented tribute performers with croon the all time hits of the great Beetles, Cliff Richards and The Rolling Stones. Salsa dancers will entertain the guests to the beat. A grand carnival will be the order of the day with sufficient entertainment for all ages and both genders is sure to be a huge hit with the masses.

For the adventurous, this is going to be the weekend. Most of the races are competitive and the odds for the horses are going to be mouth-watering if I am allowed the use of the phrase. Besides the thrill of betting a grand prize for nominating correctly the first four order of running in the Derby can win you a lovely Mercedes Benz car. A Mahindra Logan 1.6 GLE is also up for grabs on both Saturday and Sunday in similar contests. At the Mahalaxmi race course lady luck has often shown a gender bias towards the feminine gender and it has been a lady driving the cars away more often than the men. That should be another added reason for the women folks to flock contests desks.

The fashion and glamour industry watchers can expect to have a field day at the racecourse. The colour and cut worn by both the ladies and the gents will take some noting. The hats and designer wear will be a feast for the page three photographers and the fashion trend in Mumbai is likely to see many innovative changes.

The race itself is a big draw what with Set Alight having provided an Equine Star Status being the Star Attraction. She has already been likened to the greats such as Elusive Pimpernel and this being the McDowell Signature Indian Derby, the Dr Mallya owned filly would do well to imprint her signature on this historical Mahalaxmi race track.