Mr Vivek Jain, Chairman of the Marketing wing and Mr Zavaray Poonawalla, Chairman RWITC after having reached an amicable settlement with the United Spirits Ltd, the long time sponsor of the glamorous Indian Derby (Gr 1), achieved another remarkable landmark deal, roping in Dr Vijay Mallya’s Kingfisher to associate as the joint sponsor of the mega race.

It was a matter of grave concern, not only for the RWITC, but for the entire racing fraternity in general, when Diageo, soon after taking control of the USL, informed former Chairman Mr KN Dhunjibhoy their intention to withdraw from the Indian Derby sponsorship and annul the existent five-year contract with immediate effect. Such an abrupt withdrawal is a serious setback, especially for the sport of horseracing, where sponsors don’t exactly make a bee line to support the sport.

Grossly concerned about the alarming development, Mr Jain soon rushed to Bangalore and held talks with the USL representatives and impressed upon them to reconsider. Mr Zavaray Poonawalla then joined Mr Jain for a second round of discussions in Mumbai and the two gentlemen managed to etch out an amicable settlement, wherein, USL agreed to stay in as part sponsor, slashing the sponsorship value which is around Rs 12.5 crore, by 50% and honor the commitment for the full tenure of the contract. Mr Jain also prevailed upon the USL management over the RWITC approaching other potential sponsor as co-partners for the Indian Derby Sponsorship. The outcome was acceptable, but the catch was to find a joint sponsor without much time on hand!

Mr Jain went on a war footing looking at potential sponsors. However, he was in constant touch with Dr Vijay Mallya. For an event as big and as endeared as the Indian Derby, it was obvious that Dr Mallya's Kingfisher would be the ideal choice. After all, wasn’t it Dr Mallya who infused greater enthusiasm and hype in taking the Indian Derby to such soaring levels?

Mr Mohit Lalvani, enjoying good offices with Dr Mallya and his Kingfisher team as well as the RWITC, played the key role of the mediator and gave direction to the association. In a latest development, Mr Jain has held successful talks with the high-level representatives of United Breweries’ (UB) Kingfisher brand and they have now agreed in principle to step in as joint-sponsors of the Indian Derby for the next two years.

 But for the signing on the dotted line, it is now confirmed that the USL and the UB Group will jointly contribute Rs 12 Crore over the next two years. In addition, the UB Group has allocated Rs Four Crore over the two years towards promotion & marketing the Indian Derby. Another great opportunity which the RWITC can capitalize on is that it has also been agreed that RWITC can bring on board individual race sponsors over both days of the Derby Weekend. This will make the weekend more colourful and the proposition of showcasing their race on Derby day will attract many takers.

RWITC will also spend on defined marketing costs, including live telecast on a national channel. UB Group will enjoy associate sponsorship rights for Evening racing, within the above value and UB will also promote Evening Racing. In an appreciative gesture, the RWITC will offer UB a few other benefits to promote the Indian Derby and to enhance their presence at the RWITC.

A beaming Mr Jain said, "I owe my first thanks and gratitude to Dr Vijay Mallya, who once again proved his enormous support for this mega event. He was a pillar of strength and support all the way from the moment I reached out to him. Mohit (Lalvani) also excelled in his mediatory role without which a settlement would have been virtually impossible. On behalf of the RWITC, we extend our sincerest appreciation to both."

“I will be meeting both USL and UB on Tuesday in Mumbai, along with Mohit, to reach a final draft agreement that can be executed soonest. We are on track for a formal closure shortly. This is a huge result for the RWITC given the short period we had to resolve this contentious issue,” concluded Mr Jain.

All’s well that ends well. Without Dr Vijay Mallya’s complete involvement, the Indian Derby would never be the same. The grandeur and the touch of flamboyance that the presence of Dr Mallya lends is what takes the richest race in the country to its highest levels of fanfare. It is to the credit of the RWITC that they managed to put together this joint proposition that would now assure in maintaining the high standards of promotion and mass hysteria that the ‘McDowell’ Indian Derby always created. Kudos to the RWITC and Hats off to Dr Vijay Mallya for creating another fine ‘blend’ which is certain to give racing enthusiasts and the non-regulars who throng the Mahalaxmi for this particular race a unique high! Would it be out of context to say that the only thing pending is the ‘Signature’!