The Stewards of the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) have nominated several of their top horses for the prestigious Indian Turf Invitation Cup races, scheduled to take place on the 1st and 2nd of March at the historic Madras Race Club (MRC) in Chennai. This annual event, now in its 63rd edition, is one of the crown jewels of Indian horse racing, attracting the finest equine talent from across the country. The Indian Turf Invitation Cup, the most anticipated race of the weekend, will be held on March 2, serving as the ultimate test of stamina, speed, and strategy.
As per the latest information released by RWITC, several champions from the recently concluded Indian Derby Day at Mumbai are expected to compete against India’s best at MRC. Among the key nominations for The HPSL Royal Arion Indian Turf Invitation Cup (Gr.1) are Indian Derby runner-up PYRITE (trained by S Waheed) and third-place finisher POSITANO (trained by SS Attaollahi). Additionally, Thacker’s Eclipse Stakes of India winner ZUCCARO (trained by P Shroff) can join the fray, adding to the depth of competition. Meanwhile, THALASSA (trained by Faisal Abbas), DASH (trained by M Narredu), SANTISSIMO (trained by P Shroff), and TOUCH OF GREY (trained by S Narredu) have been nominated as reserves for the marquee event.
In the Maj PK Mehra Memorial Super Mile Cup (Gr.1), the best milers in the country will vie for supremacy. RWITC’s nominations include The Rusi Patel Trophy winner and runner up ONCE YOU GO BLACK (trained by JE McKeown) EL GRECO (trained by PS Chouhan), besides SANTISSIMO (trained by P Shroff) , while DASH (trained by M Narredu) has been named as a reserve.
The Zavaray S. Poonawalla Sprinters’ Cup (Gr.1), known for its electrifying pace and fierce rivalries, has RWITC’s nominations in form of winner and runner ups of The Dr S C Jain Sprinters Championship, TIME AND TIDE (trained by Adhiraj Singh Jodha), MISS AMERICAN PIE (trained by SS Shah), and DREAM SELLER (trained by PS Chouhan). Winner of The Coromandel Gromor Million, CONSTABLE (trained by P Shroff) has been listed as a reserve.
RWITC’s nominations for The Coromandel Gromor Stayers’ Cup (Gr.1), a race designed to test endurance and stamina over extended distances include TOUCH OF GREY (trained by S Narredu), EVALDO (trained by Prasanna Kumar) and THALASSA (trained by Faisal Abbas), with RULING DYNASTY (trained by Prasanna Kumar) serving as the reserve entry.
With the Madras Race Club preparing to host this momentous occasion, the Indian Turf Invitation Cup promises not only elite competition but also a grand celebration of heritage, skill, and sportsmanship. The two-day event will feature not just high-caliber races but also parades, social gatherings, and a vibrant cultural atmosphere that enriches the experience for racing enthusiasts.
RWITC has directed the connections of nominated and reserve horses to confirm their entries at MRC by 10:00 AM on Thursday, 20th February. It has also emphasized the importance of timely applications for requisite licenses, including Trainer’s and Jockey’s licenses, as well as ensuring that all transportation documents—such as Passports and EIA/Health Certificates—are in order to facilitate smooth participation in this premier event.
As anticipation builds for the 63rd edition of the Indian Turf Invitation Cup, the stage is set for an unforgettable weekend of racing at the Madras Race Club, where champions will rise, legacies will be forged, and the spirit of competition will be on full display.
