The last of the classics of the winter racing seasons all over India, the HDIL-sponsored Indian St.Leger will be run off on Sunday.
 
The St.Leger, the mile and three quarter test of stamina and speed, is the third leg of the Indian Triple Crown, but surprisingly the winners of both the first two legs will be missing. Bourbon King, who has had a disappointing season, has question marks on his stamina, and Hotstepper, one hears was not an original entry. That makes way for the Indian Turf Invitation Cup heroine, Sweeping Success, a clear favourite in a probable field of nine or ten.
 
The HDIL Indian St.Leger will offer a gross purse of Rs 57.30 lakh, an all-time record for the race, and this makes it the third richest race of the season. In fact, this Mumbai season has been marked by new records for almost all the big races, including the juveniles and the terms races for older horses. In addition, the cumulative stakes for the five Indian Classics of Rs 320.91 lakh, is not only a national record, but also an unprecedented high for the five classics at any single racing season ever.

 
HDIL is a relatively new entrant to RWITC's already bulging bag of sponsors, having contributed to The Indian Oaks for the last three years. By stepping forth for the St.Leger this year, they have shown their commitment to support our biggest races. They have also supported our race days with lucrative prizes for the public.
 
Though the season is now on the wane, our efforts to keep the promotion going each weekend has not let up. We have got the sponsors to offer a Maruti Estilo in the now mandatory contest, who in addition, will offer a range of designer watches as consolation prizes. Interestingly, this will be the sixth car on offer this season, also a new record!