ADVERTISED record stakes money of Rs 15 crore that may actually cross the 20-crore mark, 1,300 racehorses , 46 trainers who will compete with another 20 coming in from other centers for the graded races, and nearly 80 riding professionals including foreign jockeys who will land here to ride for the big owners -- that, in a nutshell, gives idea of what to expect from the 2011-12 Mumbai racing season which will get underway this Sunday, November 13, at the Mahalaxmi racetrack.


Indian Derby at the Mahalaxmi race course in June this year.

There is some concern in the air about the number of foreign riders being on the lower side, as Indian riders who have taken a consistent stand for some time now against what they allege as a 'favourable' treatment to their fair-skinned counterparts who win a lion's share of stakes money thanks to big race successes, are up in arms against the authorities. "I have heard there are some issues related to visa and work permit," RWITC Chairman Vivek Jain said at the press meet organised at the Mahalaxmi lawns on Thursday evening as a curtain-raiser, "but competitive spirit is the essence of this sport, and I hope things will ease out. We will take call on the matter at the right time."

The biggest racing season in the country will strech over five-and-a-half months, starting this Sunday (Nov 13, 2011) and ending on the last Sunday of April next year (April 29), and will consist 44 race days. The four Indian Classics, all grade 1 races--the Indian 1000 Guineas (Dec 11), Indian 2000 Guineas (Dec 18), Indian Oaks (Jan 22) & the Indian Derby (Feb 5)--will be the main highlights of the season, supported by other major events like the Poonawalla Breeders Multi-Million (Feb 26), Eclipse Stakes Of India (Feb 12), C N Wadia Gold Cup (March 11), Colts & Fillies Juvenile Championship races (March 18) & the Karl Umrigar Turf Championship (March 25), besides a record 23 races for non-Classic horses which will feature minimum stakes of million rupees.