On Sunday, February 2nd, the prestigious Mahalaxmi Racecourse in Mumbai will take center stage as top jockeys from around the world gather for India’s most coveted horse racing event, the 2025 Indian Derby. This year’s edition promises to be an electrifying showdown, with an elite lineup of international stars, including Tom Marquand, Oisin Murphy, David Allan, Christophe Lemaire and Billy Lee, set to take on India’s finest riders Suraj Narredu, A. Sandesh, P. Trevor, Neeraj Rawal and Akshay Kumar amongst others. The spectacle is expected to draw thousands of passionate racing enthusiasts to the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC), making it a day to remember.
The 2025 Indian Derby holds special significance for multiple reasons, one of the key highlights being the rare inclusion of five final entries. Under the existing system, entries for India’s five Classics close a year in advance, with trainers nominating horses they believe have potential. While the initial entry requires a nominal fee, opting for a final entry just a week before the race comes at a hefty cost of Rs. 15,00,000 plus GST. With these additions, the overall prize pool for this “Race of Races” is expected to surpass Rs. 2.80 crore.
Another fascinating aspect of this year’s Derby is the unique husband-and-wife rivalry between trainers Darius and Parvati Byramji, who will saddle RANQUELLINO and AFRICAN GOLD respectively. This rare occurrence adds an extra layer of intrigue as both seasoned trainers vie for Derby glory.
As for the biggest question who will emerge as the champion of the Indian turf, this year’s field appears wide open. With most contenders having already secured major victories in high-profile races, the 2025 Indian Derby is shaping up to be an intensely competitive affair. The race, run over 2400 meters, will demand precise race positioning and a strong finishing kick, especially with five foreign jockeys adding further depth to the competition.
Among the leading contenders is AFRICAN GOLD, who remained unbeaten until the Indian 2000 Guineas, where he finished third. That performance suggested he could handle the Derby distance, and he enters this race after a preparatory 2000-meter mock run. Trained by seasoned Parvati Byramji, he is expected to be partnered by Irish jockey Billy Lee.
Another strong challenger is CASTEEL, the Kolkata Winter Derby winner. His well-timed finishing burst has proven his staying ability, and the long Mumbai straight should suit him well. CASTEEL, under the astute guidance of Satish Narredu and ridden by India’s top jockey, Suraj Narredu, is one to watch
DUKE OF TUSCANY, a dual classic winner with victories in the Hyderabad Winter Derby and the 2000 Guineas, has already demonstrated his ability to stay the distance. He will relish the 2400-meter trip and could make a strong bid in the closing stages. Trained by the formidable Pesi Shroff and ridden by the in-form P. Trevor, DUKE OF TUSCANY is a key player in this contest.
A surprise final entry, RANQUELLINO, arrives at the Derby fresh off a dominant Bangalore Winter Derby victory, clocking an excellent time. His back-to-back wins, including the Bangalore 2000 Guineas, underline his class. The challenge now is to replicate that form on the demanding Mahalaxmi track. Trained by experienced Darius Byramji, son of legendary trainer Rashid Byramji, RANQUELLINO has the right credentials. With the skilled A. Sandesh in the saddle, he is a serious contender.
SANTISSIMO, winner of the Bangalore Summer Derby, is another leading challenger. After finishing second in the Pune Derby behind REDEFINED who himself was recently runner-up to RANQUELLINO, SANTISSIMO bounced back with an impressive lead-up victory to the 2000 Guineas. He then stunned the racing world by defeating the previously unbeaten AFRICAN GOLD in the Guineas. Trained by Pesi Shroff and ridden by British champion jockey Oisin Murphy, SANTISSIMO too is a very strong contender.
Another standout is PSYCHIC STAR, a dual classic winner who claimed both the Indian 1000 Guineas and the Indian Oaks, the latter run over the same 2400-meter trip. Her dominant Oaks victory underscored her stamina, and the decision to opt for a final entry highlights her connections’ confidence. Trained by Pesi Shroff and ridden by French ace Christophe Lemaire, who has established himself as a champion rider in Japan PSYCHIC STAR has strong credentials.
With three strong contenders under his charge, trainer Pesi Shroff holds a powerful hand, but in a race of this magnitude, surprises are always possible. As the countdown to Indian racing’s biggest day nears its climax, anticipation is at an all-time high for what promises to be a thrilling edition of the Indian Derby.
