The Hindu : Sport / Racing : Horse : Bonanza on the anvil

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Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007
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Sport - Racing : Horse

Bonanza on the anvil

Mumbai: "For the first time in the history of Indian racing, the McDowell Indian Derby 2007 will offer the richest stakesmoney of Rs. 1 crore and a winner's purse of Rs. 60 lakhs," said Dr. Vijay Mallya, Chairman, UB Group, while addressing a press conference about the McDowell Indian Derby week-end (Feb. 3 and 4).

" We have sponsored this race for the last 20 years and I have been fortunate to win it four times", he added.

This richly endowed Derby to be run over 2,400m has a strong line up with the equine superstar Southern Empire (Placerville-Stunning) who is unbeaten in his last ten starts, being in the fray.

Mercedes Benz on offer

Apart from the prizemoney being offered, there is a lot more in store for the spectators as well.

A Mercedes Benz Car C-200, is offered in a Contest of skill — Predicting the finishing order correctly in the Derby, by filling a contest form which will be available at the Members enclosure.

Also for every bet of Rs. 2,000 or above (on a single ticket) placed on totalisators, one can collect an additional contest form.

Other prizes are (i) Black Dog 12 year old Scotch whisky as much as your weight, (ii) Return tickets for a couple on Kingfisher Airlines on any one sector in India.

Mr. Vivek S. Jain, Chairman, RWITC Marketing Working Group said "this year's Indian Derby has several firsts — a record purse, co-sponsors (Yes Bank, Auto Hangar and Casino Goa) the biggest prize ever given to the public and topped with an international carnival during the races."

For the first time all the races will be sponsored on both the days. In addition to the racing extravaganza it will also be a fun filled week-end.

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