Field of ten faces the starter in Poonawalla Breeders' Multimillion By Usman Rangila February 20, 2004

A classy field of ten three-year-old horses will face the starter in the fifteenth edition of the prestigious Poonawalla Breeders’ Multimillion 2004, the richest race in the country for juveniles. The winner of this group one race will make his owners richer by three million rupees and who will also cherish an attractive trophy valued at rupees one lakh. The Poonawalla Stud Farms, the sponsors of this race, have guaranteed total stake money of rupees five million.

Apart from the big event, the grand prize of a car to the lucky winner, who nominates the first four horses as declared by the judge, in a free contest of skill has drawn big crowds year after year to the Mahalaxmi racecourse. All race-goers who make Mahalaxmi their destination this Sunday, will get free refreshments in both the first and members’ enclosure. Celebrities, Bollywood stars and some big names from the racing circuit are expected to be among those present to witness the Poonawalla Breeders’ Multimillion 2004.

Fantabulous King, the Dr Vijay Mallya-owned challenger from Bangalore, comes to Western India with a big reputation and is likely to start as the overwhelming favourite to win the richest race for juveniles. Trained by Bangalore-based Sardar Singh, Fantabulous King ran twice at his parent centre and created quite an impression by winning both the races in taking style. India’s ace professional jockey Pesi Shroff will be donning the silks of Dr Vijay Mallya astride Fantabulous King. 

The other main contenders from Bangalore are S. Ganapathy-trained Star Admiral, Michael Eshwer-saddled Blurr and Star Qualities from the legendary Rashid Byramji’s yard. Cooji Katrak-saddled Radiate will spearhead the challenge of Western India accompanied by the Sorab Jilla trainee Air Star. No matter who wins this race, there is no doubt that an exhilarating finish will provide a fitting finale to the event.