The Mahalaxmi Racecourse in Mumbai came alive on Sunday, February 23rd, as racing enthusiasts gathered to witness The Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi-Million (Gr-1). The event was a grand spectacle, featuring racing under the lights, a vibrant flea market, live music, and a special screening of the India vs. Pakistan cricket match on a big screen. With free entry for ladies, contests of skill, and prizes for the best-dressed attendees, the day had something for everyone. But the real drama unfolded on the track, where a series of thrilling finishes kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly BIG BAY’s sensational and unexpected victory in The Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi-Million (Gr-1), the richest juvenile race in the country. The crowd was abuzz as PROKOFIEV, the tote favorite, seemed poised to claim the coveted title. However, BIG BAY, trained by the legendary M. Narredu and ridden by Suraj Narredu, delivered an astonishing performance, storming past the finish line in 1:23.16 to secure the grand prize of ₹90,00,000 from the total purse of ₹1.5 crore.
The father-son duo of M. Narredu and Suraj Narredu once again proved why they are among the most revered names in Indian horse racing. Their strategic preparation and flawless execution left the crowd in awe, cementing their reputation as one of the sport’s most formidable partnerships. CIRCLE OF DREAMS finished second, while PROKOFIEV, despite high expectations, had to settle for third. The result left spectators in stunned silence before the stands erupted in appreciation for BIG BAY’s extraordinary run.
The day kicked off with PRIDE’S PRINCE claiming victory in the 1600m Class 2 race, clocking 1:38.39 under the guidance of jockey Antony Raj S and trained by Imtiaz A. Sait. CHAGALL secured second place, while BASHIR rounded off the top three.
The second race of the day, a Class 4 2400m event, saw GORDON emerge victorious with R. Ajinkya in the saddle, trained by P. Shroff. BLACK THUNDER and ALEXANDROS finished second and third, respectively, in a contest that tested the endurance of the young contenders.
The excitement continued as GIACOMO, trained by Dallas Todywalla and ridden by David Allan, claimed the top spot in this 1200m maiden race for 3-year-olds, clocking in at 1:10.82. KAVYA took second, with IT’S GAME TIME finishing third in a tightly contested sprint.
The main event of the evening saw BIG BAY secure a historic win, stunning the field and the audience alike. The victory over CIRCLE OF DREAMS and the highly favored PROKOFIEV made it one of the most talked-about upsets in recent memory.
In the 1200m Class 3 race, MISTY, trained by Hosidar Daji and ridden by P. Trevor, clocked 1:09.48 to seize victory. TIMELESS VISION finished second, while QUICKER came in third.
The sprinting prowess of CREDENCE was on full display as the Shazaan Shah-trained runner, piloted by S. Siddharth, won this 1000m Class 4 race in a record-breaking 0:56.90. MAYSARA and CHELSEA took second and third place, respectively.
The final race of the evening saw STORM emerge victorious in the 1400m Class 5 race, with T. S. Jodha riding under the training of Behram Cama. STORM’s time of 1:24.41 secured a commanding finish, beating strong contenders to bring the exhilarating race day to a close.
As the floodlights illuminated the Mahalaxmi Racecourse and the final race concluded, the crowd was left with an unforgettable day of racing. The dramatic upset in The Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi-Million, coupled with thrilling finishes throughout the card, ensured that this year’s edition of the prestigious event lived up to the hype. With an electric atmosphere, fashion-forward attendees, and top-tier racing action, the event once again proved why it remains one of the most anticipated days on the Indian horse racing calendar.
As the racing fraternity looks ahead to the next big meet, BIG BAY’s stunning victory will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the season—a true testament to the unpredictable magic of the sport.
