The Hindu : All set for Invitation Turf weekend

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Mar 03, 2004

Sport

Sport - Racing : Horse

All set for Invitation Turf weekend

MUMBAI, MARCH 2. The 42nd Indian Turf Invitation Weekend races, with stakes-money worth Rs. 1.6 crore, will be held at the Mahalaxmi Race Course here on March 6 and 7.

Briefing the press, Diwan Arun Nanda, chairman, Marketing Sub-Committee, RWITC, said: "Though we have got sponsors for some of the races, there would be no sponsor for the big race — the Indian Turf Invitation Cup. The Turf Authorities of India have contributed Rs. 15,00,000 and Rs. 35,00,000 has been added by RWITC towards stakes".

"The Stewards have decided, in view of the high numbers of entries and to avoid disappointment (if many horses are balloted out) in the Invitation Weekend, the N.M. Mehta Memorial Trophy (March 6) and Graciously Yours Trophy (March.7) may be split in two after acceptances," added Mr. Nanda.

The declarations for Saturday's and Sunday's races have been advanced to 4.00 p.m. on March 3 and March 4 respectively.

K.N. Dhunjibhoy, chairman, RWITC, said the club would allow free entry to the first 5000 people who come to the First Enclosure on both the days.

The weekend will have four races of the highest category — A.V. Thomas Sprinters' Cup (Gr. 1) (1,200m), B.K. Rattonsey Stayers' Cup (Gr.1) (3,000m), Maj. P.K. Mehra Memorial Super Mile Cup (Gr.1) (1,600m) and Indian Turf Invitation Cup (Gr.1) (2,400m).

The `Indian Racing Awards' for the period between November 1, 2002 and October 31, 2003, will be given away on Saturday night.

The RWITC has decided to add Rs. 10,81,000 to the collection of the Jackpot pool of March 7.

Casinonepalonline.com, in association with RWITC, will conduct the following contests of skill on both the days:

1. Race-goers, who will get the contest forms on March 6 at the turnstiles, will have to nominate the winners of the four main races and forms nominating the four winners correctly will be eligible to participate in a lucky draw for a Maruti Zen car. The winner should be present in the paddock on Sunday.

2. On March 7, all successful Jackpot tickets up to the leg of the Indian Turf Invitation Cup will be eligible to participate in a lucky draw for five prizes, each consisting of round trip tickets for two from Mumbai to Kathmandu (inclusive of hotel stay and meals).

3. On Sunday, all successful Tanala pool tickets for the Indian Turf Invitation Cup race will be eligible to participate in the lucky draw for five prizes, each consisting of round trip tickets for two from Mumbai to Kathmandu (inclusive of hotel stay and meals).

The Poonawalla Stud Farms, in association with RWITC, will offer a motorcycle in a contest of skill on March 6. All successful Tanala pool tickets for the Victoria Racing Club Trophy will be eligible to participate in the lucky draw. Casino Goa, Air Sahara & Ramada have sponsored prizes for those who predict the winner and first runner-up in the A.V. Thomas Sprinters' Cup and the Indian Turf Invitation Cup. They will be eligible for a lucky draw for a luxurious 3 night/4 day vacation for two (including return airfare ex-Mumbai) at the Ramada Caravela Beach Resort, Goa.

The Award winners:

Leading Owner: Dr. M.A.M. Ramaswamy.

Leading Trainer: Robert Foley.

Leading Jockey: B. Prakash.

Leading Stud Farm: Poonawalla Group of Stud Farms.

Horse Of The Year: Zurbaran.

Filly/Mare of the year: Amber Windsor.

Juvenile Colt/Gelding of the year: Secret Romeo.

Juvenile Filly of the year: Fond Fantasy.

Hall Of Fame Award: Dr. Cyrus S. Poonawalla.

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