The Villoo C Poonawalla Indian Oaks (Gr.1) one of India’s most prestigious horse races, captivated racing enthusiasts Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC)’s iconic Mahalakshmi Race Course, Mumbai. The standout performer of the day was PSYCHIC STAR, which clinched the Indian Oaks in spectacular fashion. The race which is also referred as “The Ladies Derby” was the highlight of an electrifying Sunday, the 11th Jan, featuring eight thrilling events, lived up to its reputation as the pinnacle of equestrian excellence. The winners of race were awarded by Adar C. Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India. A total of approximately 5 million rupees was distributed as prize money in this race, adding to the stakes and excitement of the contest.
Trained by the seasoned Pesi Shroff and expertly ridden by jockey Vivek G, PSYCHIC STAR fulfilled the expectations of fans by emerging as the champion. Owned by Vijay B. Shirke, Jay V. Shirke, Liane Luthria, and Ameeta Mehra, the filly completed the challenging 2400-meter race in an impressive 2:33.68. The win brought immense joy to the owners, who celebrated their triumph with elation. PSYCHIC STAR’s team also took home a prize of Rs. 30,37,500. Trainer Pesi Shroff trained horse’s another victory has further cemented his reputation as one of India’s finest trainers.
Hot on PSYCHIC STAR’s heels was REGINA MEMORABILIS, trained by Imtiaz A. Sait and piloted by jockey Neeraj Rawal. The runner-up clocked a time of 2:34.06, narrowly edging out EXPEDITE for second place. REGINA MEMORABILIS’s connections earned a prize of Rs. 9,61,875. EXPEDITE, trained by H.J. Antia and ridden by S.G. Prasad, finished a mere fraction of a second later at 2:34.07, securing third place and a prize of Rs. 4,55,625, showcasing the fiercely competitive nature of the race.
The fourth and fifth places were also closely contested. THALASSA, trained by Faisal A. Abbas and ridden by Imran Chisty, secured the fourth spot with a time of 2:34.09, while FIELD OF DREAMS, trained by Dallas Todywalla and jockeyed by Akshay Kumar, completed the race in 2:34.24 to take fifth place.
The Villoo C Poonawalla Indian Oaks (Gr.1) lived up to its reputation as a premier event in Indian racing.. The meticulous preparation of the trainers, the skill of the jockeys, and the sheer determination of the horses came together to create an unforgettable spectacle. For PSYCHIC STAR and her connections, this victory was not just a triumph but a testament to their dedication and hard work.
Some of the other major races which took place today included The Gool S Poonawalla Million (Gr.3) fpr 1200 meters, which was won by Elusive Art (trained by Adhiraj S Jodha and ridden by A Sandesh), The Ramniwas Ramnarain Ruia Gold Cup (Gr.3) for 2000 meters, won by Golden Thunder (trained by Karthik Ganapathy and ridden by David Allan). In both these races total prize money of Rs. 15,00,000 each was up for grabs and
The atmosphere at the Mahalakshmi Race Course today was electric since morning, with an enthusiastic crowd adding to the day’s vibrancy. The main event was celebrated as the Women’s Derby 2025, and women were granted free entry, leading to a significant turnout. The course buzzed with excitement as families, friends, and racing aficionados came together to witness history in the making.
Live music performances kept the crowd energized, while a variety of food stalls offered delectable treats, catering to diverse tastes. The Mahalakshmi Race Course transformed into a festive hub, where the thrill of the races blended seamlessly with the joy of celebration. As the sun set over the Mahalakshmi Race Course, the day’s events left an indelible mark on the hearts of the attendees.
