The Gitanjali Indian 1000 Guineas (Gr 1) sets the spark to the blazing heat of not only the Indian Classics but also a list of top-notch traditional races in the days to come. The season ahead is filled with great racing action and another Champion equine will emerge. This time, however, the anxiety of ‘who is going to be’ may not satiate the appetite for those who thrive on suspense. There is one exceptional filly who many will concur, is the proverbial one-of-a-kind, the likes of which grace the tracks only once in a generation.
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| Set Alight |
The Gitanjali Indian 1000 Guineas (Gr1) boasts of a record stake money of Rs. 36.37 lakh of which about Rs 22 lakh will be the stakes for the winner. The prestigious race has attracted three outstation competitors, Attractress from Hyderabad, and Icebreaker and Originality from Bangalore. The former two have fared exceptionally well on their home turf. Icebreaker recently won the Poonawalla Bangalore Derby (Gr1) beating a tough set of local rivals. Attractress went down by a whisker to Reconnect in the Vijay Textiles Golconda Derby (Gr1). They have travelled well as is evident from their track movements. However, do they have it in them to outshine Set Alight’s brilliance, is the moot question. And I think we all know the answer.
The Gitanjali Day has a healthy dose of high quality entertainment lined up for the day. Besides Indian’s best filly in action, the card on the day is an ‘All Trophy’ card. BJETS Maharaja Jiwajirao Trophy (Gr3) and the Tirol Million are added attractions. Gitanjali will highlight a fashion show in the paddock and the evening later will see a host of other entertainments. A surprise appearance of a Bollywood star is expected to add to the flavour of the day. The flamboyant Dr. Vijay Mallya is sure to be there to lead in his prize possession Set Alight. For the members, there will be sushi and beer to enjoy the afternoon at the racecourse. A diamond watch from Gitanjali is the top prize in a contest along with many other prizes for the public to win.
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| Set Alight |
Vivek Jain, Chairman, Marketing of RWITC said: "It's a fillies’ classic and Gitanjali's association with fashion and jewellery is a perfect fit." Mehul Choksi, Chairman, Gitanjali said: "Horse Racing at the RWITC is a focus sport and venue for us to showcase our brands. It's an event that will make everyone sit up and notice."
The RWITC has relaxed the formal dress code and permitted casual wear at the racecourse. A typically enjoyable Sunday is coming right up at the Mahalaxmi racecourse and the Gitanjali day is just the kind of ignition it takes to set the tone for an exciting season ahead.
