MUMBAI RACECOURSE |
Mumbai has a rich history of racing with the first recorded meeting dating back as early as 1798. The Mahalaxmi racecourse, a turf track with a circumference of 2400 metres, can be found in the Tulsiwadi region of Mumbai and first opened its gates to racing in 1883. It was built on 225 acres of land donated by Sir Cusrow N.Wadia. Racing is organised by the Royal West India Turf Club and the course hosts all of India's Classic races. The principal race is the Indian Derby for 4 year olds, run each February over 2400 metres. It was first contested in 1943 when the Thomas Schofield ridden filly Princess Beautiful was victorious. Remarkably, the jockey Pesi Shroff has won it 8 times, the most recent in 2004 on Psychic Flame. The latest winner in 2014 was the gelding Alaindair, unusual for a Classic race, when ridden by Y.Srinath. |
The course hosts a total of 6 Group 1 races, including the Indian Oaks for 4 year old fillies over 2400 metres which was first contested in 1944 when Same Again won when ridden by F.J.Marrs. More recently Richard Hughes won the Oaks in consecutive years in 2010 and 2011 with Jacqueline and Moonlight Romance. The track also hosts the 1000 and 2000 Guineas over 1600 metres run each December, the Breeders Multi Million for 3 year olds over 1400 metres, won in 2014 by Shivalik Storm, and the Indian Turf Invitational Cup for 4 year olds contested each March over 2400 metres. |
Indian Derby (2400 metres) winners since its inception in 1943 |
For further information go to www.rwitc.com |
If you have badges, racecards, pictures of the racecourse or further details about the course, including your memories, then email johnwslusar@gmail.com |