The 42nd edition of the Grade 1 Pune Derby, the jewel in the crown of the Pune racing season, will be held here on Sunday (October 11). Poonawalla, the prestigious race carries a total stake of ₹1 crore with the winner set to take home ₹60 lakh. Sponsored by M/s. Cyrus & Adar Poonawalla in memory of late Villoo C.
The Royal Western India Turf Club, in association with the Poona Cartel, will host a lively carnival featuring the Cartel Sundowner that offers gourmet food and live entertainment. Prasanna Kumar-trained Iron Mirage, representing Bengaluru, is likely to provide the strongest challenge. He too has an unbeaten record from four starts, highlighted by the victory in the Hyderabad Colts Championship. His recent track work suggests that he has retained his fitness and should be in the thick of the action.
The derby will headline an action-packed weekend with seven races scheduled for Saturday and eight on Sunday.