Mumbai, Jan 16: More than just a day at the races, the Indian Derby is Mumbai’s grand celebration of sport, style and spectacle. Cocktail bars, gourmet pop-ups, live performances, Bombay’s finest eateries and a vibrant lifestyle flea come together to create an atmosphere unlike any other on the city’s sporting calendar.
All roads lead to Mahalaxmi
On February 1, all roads will lead to the iconic Mahalaxmi Racecourse as thousands pour in from across the country, dressed in their finest, turning the Derby into a truly unforgettable day out. When the gates open at 2.10 pm, the spotlight will firmly be on the crown jewel of Indian racing — a Derby that has long stood tall as the most coveted contest across racing centres in the country.
Poonawalla Group takes centre stage
Adding historic significance to this year’s edition is the Indian Derby being sponsored by the Villoo C. Poonawalla Group for the first time. Announced in late 2025, the landmark four-year partnership beginning in 2026 brings with it not just prestige but renewed purpose. With prize money of ₹4 crore, the event remains the most glamorous and richly rewarded fixture of the Mumbai racing season.
Fresh optimism for Indian racing
In a sport that had begun to worry about its future, the Poonawalla Group’s backing has injected fresh optimism. This is more than a sponsorship — it is a powerful vote of confidence in Indian horse racing, a sport that sustains thousands of livelihoods and carries forward a proud equestrian legacy.
A symbol of revival
As the countdown begins to the Poonawalla Indian Derby 2026, racing circles believe this partnership could mark the start of a revival. With heritage, passion and belief galloping together, the Indian Derby stands ready to reclaim its rightful place — not just as a race, but as a symbol of Indian racing’s enduring spirit.
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