Any competitive event is not only about the participants and never all about winning, although that should be the primary goal for those closely connected. It takes astute planning and sincere efforts in promoting the sport/event to draw a sizable crowd and attract media attention that goes a long way in making it a memorable experience.

The Poonawalla family has been at it for more than two decades and a half. What started as a Million race for three-year-old juveniles way back in 1990 and sponsored by the Poonawalla brothers Dr Cyrus and Mr Zavaray Poonawalla, this race has remained the number one race for juveniles ever since. The success and popularity the Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi-Million has garnered and sustained over the decades, is ample proof that there is enough potential for horse racing to thrive even higher in India.

On that count, the Poonawalla Multi-Million stands out in the way it is promoted. This race is the Indian answer to the Magic Million at Australia or the Cartier Million at Ireland. The Poonawalla brothers infused innovative measures in creating a property that involved public participation and reap rich rewards for the efforts and acumen required (with an element of luck, of course) with an offer of attractive grand prizes in a contest of skill exclusively for those that attend the races. They were the first to introduce a car as the bumper prize which proved an instant hit with the masses. Till date this remains the main draw and the core of the hype around not only the Poonawalla Multi-Million but a list of other sponsored races as well. The RWITC ensured that this practice caught on and the sponsors too were not averse to the idea. Nearly half a dozen cars are now up for grabs at the races on the Western India circuit.

The ladies of the Poonawalla clan then brought in the glamour quotient. Prizes for best dressed persons increased the number of better dressed people at the racecourse adding largely to the ambience. A good turnout was a result of another generosity of free entrance to the first 5000 patrons at the racecourse. All this add up in pleasing the commoners and they are the ones who land up swelling the numbers, so important for any event.

The Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi-Million (Gr1) 2015 offers a Honda City car as the bumper prize in the contest of skill. It will take some thinking and trying permutations to get the winning combination spot on for such a high-end prize. Fourteen runners will line up for their most important assignment to date of their budding careers. The popularity of this race and the tough action on the track earned the Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi-Million the popular title – The Juvenile Derby. The concept was striking, and the ‘value additions’ appealing to the spectators. This combined to make this the landmark race for three-year-olds.

Held during what now is accepted as the ‘Fab February’ in the Indian racing calendar, The Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi-Million is one of the star attractions of the Mumbai season. The glory to the winner is overwhelming and the rich stakes of Rs 1.78 Cr is the highest for any juvenile race in the country. The interesting and innovative ‘car-concept’ initiated by the Poonawallas has kept the crowd participation alive. And another spirited Sunday afternoon with family provides the people of Mumbai an excellent day out at the races. The hope of driving back in a plush new car kindling the anxiety of anticipation makes it a must attend for anyone who loves hardcore action of raw power on the track and the grace and elegance off it. What better way to spend an afternoon witnessing the smartest and talented juveniles in action with a chance to match their speed in a new car on the way back home?