Rs 2.7 million at stake for Poonawalla Breeders’

For the racing fraternity the stakes have been increased almost every year. The winner of the PBM ’98 on February 22 this year will be richer by Rs. 2.7 million or 60% of the total stakes, whichever is higher and will also carry home a trophy worth Rs. 65,000. The second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth placed horses shall be entitled to 20%, 10%, 5%, 3% and 2% respectively of the total stakes.

Apart from this the breeder, trainer and jockey shall each get a trophy valued at Rs. 8,000. Even the groom has not been left out. A silver salver of the value of Rs. 3000 awaitshim. Then there are prizes for the owner and trainer of the best turned out horse, a feature introduced by the sponsors. Each will get a trophy valued at Rs. 4,000.

The Poonawalla Breeder’s Million, a Produce Race for 3 years old (foaled in 1995) and run over a distance of about 1400 meters is a weight for age affair giving an equal chance to all juveniles.

This seven furlong race will determine the “Champion Juvenile” in the country from near about 20 runners from all over India who will face the starters orders.

For the racing buffs there is the usual fun and frolic. There is the “Free Contest of Skill” wherein a race-goer nominating the first four horses correctly shall get a Maruti 800.

If there is more than one such nominator there shall be a draw. In such an event the name of the person drawn first shall get the Maruti 800, the second will get a Kawasaki Motor Cycle, the third a Kinetic Honda DX Scooter, the fourth an Onida 21” Colour TV, the fifth a Philips CD Music System and the sixthshall bag a Kenster Microwave oven.

Should there be more than six winners the rest will get a two-in-one music system.

All the entrants to the Mahalakshmi Race Course shall be given a free contest form in which the contestants will need to nominate the first four placings correctly as designated by the judges or stewards of the RWITC to be the correct order of the first four placed horses. “Free contest of skill” forms shall be issued at the turnstiles at the race course uptil 3.15 pm. The ballot boxes at the race course shall be closed at 3:30 pm sharp, that is, one race before the Poonawalla Breeder’s Million Race.

As has been the tradition, the sponsors have once again laid down free snacks and tea for every one in the first and second enclosure. Every entrant in the first and second enclosure shall receive a free refreshment coupon that will be given along with the contest form at the turnstiles in these enclosure.

One does not have to be regular race-goer to enjoy the great day at theMahalakshmi. So plan your day and join in the fun that the Poonawalla Breeder’s Million will offer you with family and friends.