|
Then there is the Bangalore Vs Mumbai angle as well. In recent times, Bangalore-based horses have not fared too well in Mumbai. However, during the Invitation Cup weekend, Bangalore horses dominated the top races returning with great honour. Moonlight Romance then has the additional expectation for setting the records right and to put it across the local challengers to salvage some pride. Cooji himself would be keen to do so.
Whatever be the pre-race hype, the last couple of years have seen two top fillies in action. Jacqueline, who just failed to pip Aboline on the wire, went to create her own legacy by sweeping the first four Indian Classics, thereby writing her way into the record books. The pitched battle between Aboline and Jacqueline had sent the crowd wild with excitement. During the previous year, Set Alight produced one of the most effortless performances seen on this track. She demolished the opposition with awesome ease and also broke the course record for the distance. Set Alight had attained a legendary status which wobbled a bit after her stunning defeat in the McDowell Indian Derby. So the Kingfisher Derby has always been a keenly awaited Classic and the attendance on the day is sure to keep the BTC buzzing with activity.
The UB Group has always approached any of their events with grace and panache. The Kingfisher Bangalore Derby won’t be any different. Last Sunday saw the unveiling of the famous Trophy – the Silver Horse – amidst race goers and the media personnel in the Paddock just before the Maharaja’s Cup. Famous fashion designer Manoviraj Khosla handed over the trophy to Mr Harindra Shetty, Chairman and Senior Steward, BTC.
“We are immensely grateful to Dr Vijay Mallya and his UB Group for their continued support and sponsorship. The Kingfisher Derby is one of the most prestigious events hosted in our city of Bangalore. It’s the richest race of the season with a record stake of over Rs 1.2 crore in total stakes. We shall make elaborate preparations and ensure a thoroughly enjoyable race day for all our patrons,” said Mr Shetty.
“You can never take out the glamour aspect from racing and this high-profile sport has always motivated people to dress at their best for the occasion. The Derby crowd definitely makes a fashion statement. I am indeed honoured to be here and handing over the rich Derby Trophy to the BTC is certainly a privilege,” Mr Khosla said.
A host of activities have been planned for the week leading up the Derby. A breakfast at the track for the lifestyle media is a first. The media persons will be introduced to the morning track work and preparation of horses for a big race. A professional trainer will be there to answer the media’s questions related to racing. Later in the day, the Kingfisher Derby Cricket match between the jockeys and trainers with some owners also will get on the different pitch to test their skills at Cricket. A T-20 match is the best way to unwind and it is most enjoyable to watch the efforts each ‘cricketer’ puts in on the field.
The most important event for the day will be held later in the evening (6.30 pm) at the conference hall of the BTC - The ‘Post Position Draw’. Like last year, a celebrity will pick out horse names and the connections of those horses will pick their own draw and have a hand in deciding the gate number for their horses. This event is for invitees only. The connections of the horses in the Derby line-up need no invite and can just walk in. This will be followed by cocktails, DJ music and dinner.
The following two evenings will have the most enjoyable virtual racing at Hardrock café. A giant screen will play a six-horse race and a computer-generated horse will emerge as the victor. Revellers can predict the winner ticking the appropriate slot on the entry form and win special invites to the exclusive ‘Front Row’ seats in the Kingfisher ‘special invitee’ lounge. So the charge for the Derby has just about begun and this will grow to a crescendo as you hear the hooves of the horses pounding the turf at high speed and one among them will wear the coveted Kingfisher Bangalore Derby Crown and thrill his/her connections no end. Will it be a filly, or will it be the masculine gender? Will it be a local horse or will Mumbai hit back with a vengeance? Will it Wadhawan Vs Wadhawan or is someone else lurking around waiting to strike at the right time? You will have all the answers, coming Sunday afternoon, at the Bangalore Turf Club. This is one ‘Must Watch’ event that you ought to put down in your diary.
