The Indian Turf Invitation Cup, one of the most prestigious events in Indian horse racing, is set to unfold at the Madras Race Club today (March 2). The two-day racing spectacle, which began on March 1, has already delivered a thrilling opening day, and anticipation is at its peak for the grand finale. The highlight of the weekend is the Indian Turf Invitation Cup, a 2400-meter contest scheduled to start at 4:45 PM. Considered second only to the Indian Derby in importance, this race brings together thirteen of the finest racehorses from across the country. With total prize money of ₹98,00,000 — including ₹60,00,000 for the winner — the stakes are as high as the expectations.
At the forefront of the contenders is RANQUELINO, the undisputed star of the season. Owned by Mr Pallon S Mistry representing Manjri Horse Breed’s Farm Pvt Ltd, Mr D R Thacker representing DT Racing & Breeding LLP, Mr Mukul A Sonawala, Mr Kishore M Dingra, Mr Ashok Ranpise and Mr S R Sanas, and trained by Darius Byramji, the four-year-old gelding has already stamped his authority by winning both the Indian Derby and The Bangalore Derby this season. With A Sandesh once again entrusted with the reins, RANQUELINO will look to extend his reign at the top of the Indian racing circuit.
Among his strongest challengers is TOUCH OF GREY, a proven stayer trained by Satish Narredu and owned by Mr Balam Mohla, Mr Anil Saraf, Mr Jehangir Mehta, and Mrs Yashika Apana. The Indian St. Leger winner will be guided by Suraj Narredu, whose tactical prowess in the saddle will be crucial over the testing 2400-meter distance.
DYF, representing the famous Dhunjibhoy silks, will also attract significant attention. Owned by Mr K N Dhunjibhoy, Mr Z K Dhunjibhoy representing Five Stars Shipping Co Pvt Ltd, Mr Jiyaji Bhosale, Mr Rishikesh Bhosale, and Mr Rama Seshu Eyunni, the bay colt will be ridden by P Trevor. Trained by Adhiraj S Jodha, DYF though he has been searching for his best form this season, his earlier consistency makes him a credible contender.
Carrying the hopes of the same ownership group is DUKE OF TUSCANY, trained by Pesi Shroff. The four-year-old will be partnered by celebrated international jockey Oisin Murphy, adding further star power to his challenge.
POSITANO, third in the Indian Derby, returns to the big stage under Akshay Kumar. Owned by Mr D R Thacker representing DT Racing & Breeding LLP, Mr Mukul A Sonawala, Mr S R Sanas, and Mr Rama Seshu Eyunni, trained by S. S. Attaollahi, POSITANO has been a model of consistency in top-level races and will look to turn the tables on RANQUELINO.
Another runner from the Attaollahi stable is GALAHAD, owned by Sarainaga Racing Pvt Ltd, Mr D R Thacker representing DT Racing & Breeding LLP, Mr Mukul A Sonawala, Mr S R Sanas, and Mr Inderraj Anand. The colt will be ridden by Antony Raj, bringing a combination of grit and stamina to the contest.
Southern challenger REDEFINED, owned by Mr Ashok Ranpise, Mr S R Sanas, Mr D R Thacker representing DT Racing & Breeders LLP, Mr Prasanna Kumar P, Mr K Kamesh, Dr Ram H Shroff, and Mr Raj H Shroff representing Stride Livestock Pvt Ltd. Trained by Prasanna Kumar and partnered by ace jockey David Allan, REDEFINED is expected to relish the long distance and could be a dark horse in this elite field.
MANDARINO, trained by Irfan Ghatala and ridden by Neeraj Rawal, will carry the colours of Mr Francis Arun Kumar, Mr J Ramesh, and Mr M V Balaji. Though lightly raced, the gelding’s potential makes him one to watch.
The Ghatala stable is also being represented in the Invitation Cup by RODNEY, owned by Mr Rajendran representing Rapar’s Galloping Stars LLP and Mr Francis Arun Kumar. With L Alex Rozario aboard, RODNEY will look to spring a surprise with a late burst.
PYRITE, the only filly in the lineup, steps into open company after a sparkling juvenile season. Owned by Mr Ketan S Wakkar, Mrs Jalpa K Boricha, Ms Roshni C Punjabi representing Aditya Solar Solution (PF), Mr Amit V Menda, Mr Chirag V Shah, Mr Anil V Poduval, and Mr Rajiv Tinaikar and trained by S Waheed, the grey filly will have Mukesh Kumar in the saddle.
CHAMPIONS WAY, representing Mr Teja Gollapudi and M/s Blazing Saddles (PF), will be ridden by Vinod Shinde and trained by Satish Narredu. While yet to make a mark at the highest level, his connections will be hoping for a breakthrough performance.
Another southern hopeful is SHUBANKAR, trained by Warren Singh and owned by Mr K G Gamini Jayaratne. With C Umesh in the saddle, he will be looking to upset more fancied rivals.
Completing the lineup is QUEEN OF KINGS, trained by Rajesh Narredu and owned by Mr Rajesh Narredu, Mr Teja Gollapudi, and Dr Prabhakar Chowdary Tripuraneni. With seasoned jockey Yash Narredu set to ride, she carries the hopes of a family steeped in Indian racing tradition.
With a lineup featuring classic winners, seasoned campaigners, and rising stars, the Indian Turf Invitation Cup promises to deliver a captivating contest. As the Madras Race Club welcomes the best of Indian racing for this iconic race, the stage is set for another unforgettable chapter in the sport’s rich history.
