OF Derby and designers

8220;I think lighter colours and smart linen and cotton suits is the way to go this time. People have been doing away with fancy frills and elaborate dresses. The look to go for is essentially sporty at such an event8221;, says designer Sushila Gugle, wife of racehorse owner Anil Gugle.

Nivedita Sabu on the other hand feels that since derbies have always been about hats and dresses, high heels and pumps its best to stick to traditional derby fashion with a few variations. 8220;Smart informal jackets, linen skirts and one-piece outfits look fantastic on women. Printed, patterned dresses are also very much in vogue. Accessories should be minimal and sophisticated. Like diamonds or a string of pearls.8221;

Neelam Seolekar has decided to go simple and classy this year with a frilly shirt and jeans. 8220; It really depends on the weather. If it8217;s a fine day then I will definitely wear a dress, but if the rainy weather persists then its boots and hats for me.8221; As for accessories, 8220;Well nothing special, just a stylish pair of shades.8221;

Mala Thakkar has decided upon a western ensemble inspired by a chic fashion magazine. 8220;At first we used to put on anything and go for the races, but lately, especially at Panchshil races day and the Poonawallas Millions an element of glamour has seeped in.8221; A beige top of netted material, with pink flowers and scallops, teamed with off-white pants and a matching handbag is what she has chosen to wear. 8220;As for accessories, pearls or stones, not over the top glitter for me,8221; she says.

Shernaz Damaniya will probably be the one with the delicate feminine touch at the Derby. 8220;I might wear this gorgeous Satya Paul sari in aqua green, it has an Om motif and crystals at the shoulder, or maybe a flowing skirt and backless top ensemble by Ritu Kumar. For accessories, I quite like the stone, Eye of the Tiger!8221;

While for some the weekend is an occasion to glam up, for others it is a time to forget the nitty gritty of the week and relax at the racecourse. 8220; Since there is always such a lot of walking to do I prefer being comfortable first,8221; says Bakhtawar Chinoy, wife of trainer Bezan Chinoy. 8220; I will probably wear trousers with a long shirt and some light jewellery. I really do not like to stand out so I choose something in sober cool colours usually.8221;

Attended by the dashing and the debonair, the stunning and the svelte, The Nanoli Pune Derby, like all derbies, promises to be an event for racing enthusiasts as well as fashion aficionados.

Tough Turf

The most awaited race of the Pune Racing Season, the Nanoli Stud Farm Derby will take place today. The Nanoli Stud Farm, one of the leading stud farms in India is a 250-acre property, located between Mumbai and Pune on the banks of the Indrayani River. Started in 1994 by K N Dhunjibhoy, Nanoli has been sponsoring the Pune Derby since 1996.

This year will be the 25th running of this classic and the stakes have just got bigger. This year there is a record purse of Rs 52.7 lakh for the taking, apart from a host of other prizes worth Rs 2 lakhs to be won. Nanoli itself has increased its contribution to 20 lakhs. As added attraction will be the high-end BMW displayed on the lawns by co sponsors BMW Bavaria Motors.

Although with a small field and just six horses running, the race still promises to be an exciting one. 8220;It is not about the number of horses running but the quality,8221; says Vivek Jain, chairman, marketing, RWITC. 8220;This is a grade 1 race, the only one of its kind this season. Every race takes something out of the horse, since it is strong field with about four or five of the best in the running, there were not many entries.8221;

The Pune monsoon-racing season commenced on 24th July and will end on 25th October with attendance having risen by 10 per cent this season. With elite racing enthusiasts from Mumbai and Pune present, a record audience is expected to cheer home the winner.