Just a week after the thunderous excitement of the Indian Derby—the crown jewel of the racing season—Mahalaxmi Racecourse is once again set to witness another thrilling showdown. On February 9, 2025, the Royal Western Turf Club in Mumbai gears up for an action-packed race day, featuring seven electrifying contests that promise speed, skill, and spectacle.
The highlight of the day is Race 6, the N. M. Irani Trophy, which boasts the highest prize money of ₹12,00,000. This maiden race is exclusively for three-year-old horses and covers a distance of 1400 meters. Top contenders include ABHYANKAR, trained by M Narredu and ridden by S J Sunil, JACKSON, trained by Dallas Todywalla and ridden by A Sandesh, and MACHIAVELLIAN, trained by Adhiraj S Jodha and ridden by C S Jodha. The race will commence at 5:00 PM and promises to be a captivating contest between young and promising thoroughbreds.
The day’s action kicks off with Race 1 at 2:30 PM, the Nawabzada Rashiduzzafar Khan Trophy, a Class 4 race for horses rated 20 to 46 (0 to 19 eligible). Covering a distance of 1600 meters, it offers a total prize pool of ₹5,50,000. Leading the pack are EATON SQUARE, trained by M Narredu and ridden by S J Sunil, CHARDIKALA, trained by Altamash A Ahmed and ridden by S Zervan, and SUBSTANTIAL, trained by Adhiraj S Jodha and ridden by A Sandesh.
Race 2, the Mulraj Goculdas Trophy, takes place at 3:00 PM and is a Class 1 event for horses rated 80 and above (60 to 79 eligible). Spanning 1400 meters, this race offers ₹10,60,000 in total prize money. Top horses include SON OF A GUN, trained by Narendra Lagad and ridden by Mustakim Alam, IT’S MY TIME, trained by Dallas Todywalla and ridden by A Sandesh, and CHRISTOPHANY, trained by Imtiaz A Sait and ridden by Neeraj Rawal.
At 3:30 PM, Race 3 features the Sonny Brar Trophy, a Class 3 event for horses rated 40 to 66 (20 to 39 eligible). The 2000-meter race has a prize pool of ₹6,50,000. The key contenders are KIMIKO, trained by Karthik Ganapathy and ridden by A Sandesh, MULTIVERSE, trained by Adhiraj S Jodha and ridden by Shrikant Kamble, and GIANT KING, trained by M Narredu and ridden by Vivek G.
Race 4, the Nadir & Yawar Rashid Trophy, is scheduled for 4:00 PM and is another Class 3 contest for horses rated 40 to 66 (20 to 39 eligible). This 1400-meter race has a total prize purse of ₹6,50,000. Leading horses include CELESTIAL, trained by P Shroff and ridden by Vivek G, BASHIR, trained by Karthik Ganapathy and ridden by A Sandesh, and LORD AND MASTER, trained by Shazaan Shah and ridden by Amyn Merchant.
At 4:30 PM, Race 5 presents the R. M. & Rukmani Goculdas Million, a 1000-meter race for horses rated 20 to 46 and 5 years old and over (0 to 19 eligible). The prize pool is ₹5,50,000, and the top horses include MALET SPRING, trained by Adhiraj S Jodha and ridden by Santosh, RED MERLOT, trained by Narendra Lagad and ridden by Mustakim Alam, and DIVINE INTUITION, trained by Aman A Hussain and ridden by T S Jodha.
Finally, Race 7, the Gentlemen’s Groomers Trophy, will close the day at 5:30 PM. This is a Class 5 event for horses rated 1 to 26, with whips not allowed. Covering a distance of 1200 meters, it carries a total prize money of ₹5,00,000. The key contenders are APPLAUSE, trained by Altamash A Ahmed and ridden by S Zervan, LION KING, trained by Shazaan Shah and ridden by Amyn Merchant, and OTELLO, trained by H J Antia and ridden by Aditya Waydande.
With a mix of maiden races, classic trophies, and competitive handicaps, this race day promises an exciting spectacle at the Royal Western Turf Club. Enthusiasts and punters alike can look forward to top-tier action on the turf, featuring some of the best-trained horses and jockeys in the country.
