Pune, July 9: The Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) has unveiled the official programme for the Pune Racing Season 2026, with the 122-day meeting set to commence on Friday, July 17 and conclude on Sunday, November 15 at the Pune Racecourse.
Widely regarded as one of the most prestigious fixtures on the Indian racing calendar, the Pune season will feature 21 premier races carrying a combined prize fund of over ₹14 crore, alongside a host of sponsored races and competitive handicaps.
The season once again showcases two of Indian racing’s most celebrated classics—the Indian St. Leger (Grade I) and the Viloo C. Poonawalla Pune Derby (Grade I). The Pune Derby, carrying a guaranteed prize fund of ₹1 crore, will once again serve as the crowning event of the season.
According to the club, the meeting is expected to attract 844 horses, including 281 two-year-olds, providing a platform for emerging talent alongside established campaigners. The season will also feature the participation of 29 ‘A’ Licensed Trainers, one ‘B’ Licensed Trainer and 51 ‘A’ Licensed Jockeys, ensuring high-quality competition throughout the four-month meeting.
Among the major attractions are the Eve Champion Trophy (Grade III), Altaf Hussain Million, Yohan Z. Poonawalla Turf Club Trophy (Grade III), Teena Katrak Memorial Independence Million, F. D. Wadia Trophy (Grade III), Devendra Jawaharlal Mathurawala Million, Noshir & Dolly Dhunjibhoy Sprint Million (Grade III), Pune City Gold Cup, S. A. Poonawalla Million (Grade III), Indian St. Leger (Grade I), Akkasaheb Maharaj Trophy, Mayor Buraoba Sanas Memorial Million, Royal Barbershop Trophy, General Rajendrasinhji Million, and the Burgundy Mantra Luxury Line RWITC Ltd. Trophy (Grade II), among others.
The Pune meeting opens on July 17, followed by racing on July 24. The August fixtures are scheduled for 2, 8, 15, 16, 22 and 29, while September racing will be held on 6, 12, 13, 20 and 27. October race days are 2, 10, 11, 18, 22 and 31, before the season concludes with meetings on November 5 and 15.
RWITC said it will continue its policy of permitting participation by outstation horses, except in the lowest handicap class, with the objective of encouraging wider participation and strengthening competition.
The club also acknowledged the continued support of its sponsors and partners, including the Poonawalla family, Poonawalla Group, Raptakos Brett & Co. Ltd., M. K. N. Dhunjibhoy & Family, SRS Group, Yeravada Stud & Agricultural Farm, D. C. D. Katrak, the Family of Altaf Hussain, and Burgundy Mantra Luxury Line, among others.
Hospitality partners for the season include Conrad Pune, Lemon Tree Hotels, and Westin Pune, while Pune Times Mirror returns as the print partner and Truefitt & Hill as the grooming partner. Carnival-style entertainment will also be organised in the Members’ Enclosure on select race days to enhance the race-day experience.
With a rich blend of tradition, top-class equine talent and prestigious feature races, the Pune Racing Season 2026 promises another memorable chapter in Indian Thoroughbred racing.
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