After weeks of waiting, racing fans can finally smile again. Mumbai’s cherished Mahalaxmi Racecourse, the pride of the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC), is gearing up to burst back into action as the 2025–26 season kicks off on 27 November 2025.
With the Pune season wrapping up on 2 November, it has been almost 24 long days without the sound of hooves or the thrill of a finish. That silence is about to end as the action shifts back to Mumbai, a place where emotions run high, traditions thrive and every race feels like a story waiting to be told. This season promises plenty of excitement with 20 race days in total and six special race days that bring extra flair, heritage and anticipation. The Mumbai racing calendar also carries its crown jewels, showcasing some of the biggest and most iconic races of the season, the ones fans look forward to all year.
The excitement picks up quickly with the Fourth Day – Sunday, 14 December 2025, hosting The Indian 1000 Guineas & Mahalakshmi Sprint Day where the fastest fillies in the country will rocket from the gates giving fans electrifying finishes and breathtaking moments. Momentum stays high on the Fifth Day – Sunday, 21 December 2025, with The Indian 2000 Guineas & Gracias Saldanha Million Day, a day where colts clash for glory and rich purses and every stride and every photo finish will matter.
By Saturday, 10 January 2026, the Seventh Day – Villoo C. Poonawalla Indian Oaks Day promises elegance and adrenaline in equal measure as top-class runners showcase both speed and stamina while the crowd soaks in the stylish atmosphere.
The season then reaches its pinnacle on Sunday, 1 February 2026, with the Eleventh Day – Villoo C. Poonawalla Indian Derby, the richest and most prestigious race of the Indian calendar with prize money comparable to major international derbies. The thundering hooves, fierce competition and dramatic finishes will create racing theatre that cannot be replicated anywhere else and the Derby’s spectacle goes beyond the track with glamorous fashion, a perfectly prepared course and a buzzing crowd adding to the grandeur.
The tempo continues on Sunday, 22 February 2026, with the Thirteenth Day – Poonawalla Multi-Million Day, delivering high-stakes battles, massive purses and thrilling finishes that keep the season in full swing. The journey eventually moves towards its spectacular finale during the Indian Racing Carnival on Saturday, 4 April 2026, and Sunday, 5 April 2026, where action-packed races, roaring crowds and festive celebrations combine to create a perfect blend of adrenaline, glamour and entertainment. After the carnival, the Mumbai racing season will gently wind down leaving fans with memories that will last until the next roaring season.
From the first flag-off to the final photo finish, the Mumbai 2025–26 season promises heart-pounding action, glitz and unforgettable moments. Whether you are a seasoned punter, a racing enthusiast or someone seeking pure excitement, every race day will offer something magical both on and off the track.
The excitement is only beginning. Stay tuned to RaceBuzz as we bring you all the action, updates and behind-the-scenes stories from Mumbai’s 2025–26 racing season.
