The Kingfisher Bangalore Derby is now officially open and the countdown has begun. The ceremonial unveiling and handing over of the Kingfisher Bangalore Derby Trophy took place in the paddock just before the horses for the Maharaja’s Cup emerged from the saddling enclosures on Sunday July 5, 2009. The fashionable Ms Sheetal Sharma, choreographer of high repute along with famed fashion photographer Wasim Khan unveiled the exquisite “silver horse” – a trophy that any owner would aspire to lay his hands on. The beautiful Trophy made of pure silver is of Rs 125,000 in commercial value, but invaluable to possess. The sight of the trophy clearly cast its spell and the excitement of the Derby weekend was immediately felt in the air. The crowd was vocal in its applause as the trophy was held high for all to view. Sheetal Sharma and Wasim Khan then proceeded to hand over the Trophy to the Chairman PV Shetty who led a delegation of the prestigious committee of the Bangalore Turf Club present in full strength. The Chairman in his speech thanked Dr Vijay Mallya and Kingfisher for their long association with the BTC and for the magnanimous gesture of the corporate to sponsor the greatest event year after year since the past 22 years. Mr Shetty also added that the BTC is looking forward to the event and on their part would give away attractive prizes to the racing public, the Bumper Prize being a Santro Car to one lucky person who nominates the correct order of the first four placing of the Classic race. Additional prizes comprising two wheelers, a Plasma TV and a host other consolation prizes are on offer for those who take part in the contest at the Bangalore racecourse on Sunday, July 12, 2009. Over the luncheon, addressing the media on Tuesday, July 7, 2009, the representatives of Kingfisher announced that weeklong lead-up activities were lined up to usher in the 22nd running of the Kingfisher Bangalore Derby. Innovative games and entertainment was planned to have citizens in Bangalore sit up and take notice of the racing extravaganza to unfold during the weekend. Virtual racing - a concept that enthralled revelers at the Hard Rock Café last year, will take place again, this time at two pupolar pubs - Pub World and Downtown on Wednesday evening. Winners of this contest will receive, in addition to attractive hampers, a special invite to the Kingfisher Front Row, an exclusive lounge for the guests of Dr Vijay Mallya. “The Horseshoe Pitching Contest” will attract shoppers at two of the most up-market Malls in Bangalore – the Garuda Mall and the Forum. Similar prizes will be given to the winners. The RR Oomerbhoy & Co. will set up pasta tasting counters, distributing free samples to participants at the said Malls. These promotional activities are simple yet attractive and are bound to draw the attention of non race goers as well and spread awareness among the general public on the glitter and glamour attached to the most important and prestigious race of the Bangalore racing calendar. For the first time, a T20 Cricket match will he held between jockeys team and trainers and owners combined team led by Malesh Narredu and Arun Kumar respectively. The match will be played at the KSCA on thursday morning. This will be a celebration match to usher in the Derby. A trophy to the winning team and one for the Man of the Match will be presented to the winners. Niel Darashah, Irfan Ghatala, Shehzad Abbas, P Shroff, B Prakash, Suraj Narredu, MH Ali Khan, Harish are some of the racing professionals who can weild the willow pretty well.For hardcore racing enthusiasts, the postposition draw for the Derby will take place at the Club Nero on Thursday July 9, 2009. Last year, Cine Star Rima Sen graced the occasion and drew up the horse numbers for the connections of the horse to pick the draw number themselves for their horses. The exercise was well accepted and this year another celebrity will be the guest of honour. Bollywood damsel Minissha Lamba is tipped to be the star attraction for the day. A typically synergic and sumptuous party in true Kingfisher style will follow the draw event. Among the host of activities, one that stands out will be the fabulous fashion show at the ITC venue. Indian born Italian stylist Sailex NG will showcase his latest designer ware. For the racing fraternity, some of the prominent jockeys and trainers too will walk the ramp appareled in the creations of famed fashion designer Manu Viraj. For the trainers who “dress” their horses to look their best in the paddock and the jockeys who display their “style” in riding this will be a new turf to ‘parade’ themselves! Much different from the ‘Parade ring” they are so used to!Unlike last year, when the Mallya filly Set Alight justified the “one-horse-race” tag as she decimated the hapless opposition, this year the Derby wears a truly open look. With two of the country’s top owners in Dr MAM Ramaswamy and Dr Vijay Mallya having four runners each, the field for the Kingfisher Bangalore Derby is sure be ‘house full’. If trends are any indication, we might well see a couple of horses balloted out for the first time in recent memory. Gypsy Magic, Astral Flash, Jacqueline and Sprint Star will corner the maximum support between them. Aboline will look to recapture the faith he generated until his debacle in the Colts. Spearhead and Captivating look capable too. A surprise from the “Goldie Brown” representation cannot be ruled out. With such a tight field, the luck of the race would also be a factor that looms large. A bolt from the blue from any of the lesser fancied runners is not out of the reckoning either. Hence, the Kingfisher Bangalore Derby 2009 has all the making of an Alfred Hitchcock potboiler! With all the fierce action, the thrill, the glamour combined, and with the with the long list of grand prizes on offer. everyone at the Bang,lore racecourse, on Sunday next, is surely going to feel like a “King….of Good Times”!