From high stakes racing to glamour: The 2025 Indian Derby has it all

By | 28 Jan 2025

The excitement for the 2025 HPSL Indian Derby is reaching new heights as the biggest horse racing event of the year approaches. Scheduled for Saturday, 1st February, and Sunday, 2nd February at Mumbai the Indian Derby weekend promises an unforgettable experience for both seasoned racing fans and casual visitors. The main event, the HPSL Indian Derby (Grade 1), will take place on Sunday, 2nd February, at the iconic Mahalaxmi Racecourse, making it a spectacle you won’t want to miss.

The weekend is packed with a mix of thrilling races, vibrant non-racing activities, and incredible prizes. The Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) is offering all visitors a chance to win big through a lucky draw on Derby day, with a grand prize of ₹10,00,000. The stakes are even higher with a jackpot offering ₹1,00,00,000. For fashion enthusiasts, there will be exciting prizes for the best-dressed couple, best-dressed female, and best-dressed male. This year marks the first time fashion competitions are part of the Derby, adding an extra layer of glamour to an already star-studded weekend.

Beyond the adrenaline-pumping races, the venue will host a lively flea market featuring food stalls, unique merchandise, and a buzzing atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy delicious bites, shop for distinctive items, sip drinks at the bar, and listen to live music while soaking in the energy of the weekend. Families with children will appreciate the dedicated play area, ensuring fun for all ages.

The main event, the HPSL Indian Derby (Grade 1), is set for 2 PM on Sunday, 2nd February, but there’s plenty to experience before the big race. Saturday’s action kicks off at 1:30 PM with a thrilling lineup of races, while Sunday offers a series of high-stakes contests leading up to the prestigious Derby. For those feeling lucky, predicting the winners of the first five jackpot-nominated races on Derby day could result in substantial cash prizes, adding an extra layer of excitement.

The Indian Derby has a rich tradition of combining top-class racing with an entertaining atmosphere. Last year, the event featured live music from Bombay Parade, along with food, shopping, and a vibrant flea market. The 2025 edition will carry on this tradition, further enhanced by the addition of fashion-related prizes and activities.

Reflecting on past Derbies, last year’s winning horse, ENABLER, claimed victory on 4th February 2024 but sadly passed away in March shortly after the triumph. SYNTHESIS finished second, followed by JAMARI and JENDAYI. To honor ENABLER’S memory, RWITC is organizing a special 1,400-meter race, “In Memory of Enabler Million,” for horses rated 20 to 46 (0 to 19 eligible).

Tickets for the Indian Derby event are now available for non-members at ₹1,000 and can be purchased through BookMyShow or at the Members’ Enclosure Entrance on the day of the event. With such a packed schedule, thrilling prizes, and opportunities to create lasting memories, the Indian Derby weekend is sure to be the highlight of the season. So grab your tickets, dress to impress, and get ready for an extraordinary weekend of racing, entertainment, and celebration at Mahalaxmi Racecourse.

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