The buzz generated in the racing circles is big and the excitement high. The thunder of the hooves at Guindy on Saturday will provide a lyrical ring and the racing buffs are ready with their many permutations and combinations to start the season on a winning note. A competitive eight-event card is framed on the opening day, the first plum of the season, the Welcome Trophy split into two divisions.  The fact that the Madras Race Club (MRC) offers the highest stakes in the country and in this season the premier club has seven Millions for juveniles in its list apart from two Group 3 races for two-year-olds has earned big goodwill and appreciation in the racing circles, the local and outstation owners and trainers eagerly awaiting to parade the talent under their care in ship-shape conditions at Guindy.

"We at Guindy have 520 horses including 120 two-year-olds and we offer the highest stake money, 6.5 lakh offered to a a winner of a maidens event. The stakes offered for handicap events too are the best on the Indian racing circuit and the local owners pleased with the stakes are now willing to invest big on quality stock and that's a good sign, said Vincent Dhanaraj, Chief Stipendary Steward and Handicapper (MRC). Vincent pointed out that top pros from all the premier clubs including Mumbai and Bengaluru satisfied with the facilities and impressed with the dynamic approach of the chairman, Dr M A M R Muthiah enjoy participating in the classic events and the South India Derby sponsored by Coromandel Gromor, attracts the cream. The blue riband of the season which offers one crore in stakes will be held on January 15. In a bid to provide glamour and glitz to the mega Derby weekend, MRC  has introduced many new events which will prove to be a big draw taking into account that the stakes are big and the competition at the highest level. In addition the annual auction sale of two-year-olds will be held on Derby eve and most top stud farms have confirmed participation in the auction.

"The local owners are pleased and excited with the prospect that they can rope in good horses at the auction sales and a good number of seasoned Guindy owners are looking forward to the sales this year," said Vincent confirming that the owners at this centre are willing to invest in the game knowing that MRC is financially sound and the managing committee of the club spearheaded by MAMR Muthiah is making the desired progress in its effort to scale the summit.

The owners and professionals while lauding the effort of the MRC chairman revealed that the sweepstakes races framed during the Derby weekend will provide a silver lining to the mega event. The Dr. M A M Ramaswamy Memorial Million, the Chettinad MRC Commemoration Cup which is a handicap race for older horses offering Rs 20 lakh as added money, the Nanoli Stud Fillies and Mares Championship Stakes, two maiden millions, one sponsored by the Usha Stud Farm. The Nanoli Stud Fillies And Mares Championship will be a mile race without penalties, and will offer an added money of Rs 15 lakhs.

Apart from the five classics, and the newly introduced attractive events, MRC will conduct three sweepstakes races for juveniles, Christmas Cup, Madras Gold Vase, and Guindy Grand Prix all with Rs 15 lakh as added money.

So all said and done the stage is set and the galloping goldmines are ready to gallop to fame in what on cards promises to be a rewarding season to remember.