The Racing carnival is back at Guindy and the Madras Race Club (MRC) has framed a relatively small, but competitive card of six events on the opening day of  the season on Sunday. The plum event, the Welcome Trophy to be run over a sprint has attracted a creditable field of eight runners and the Fahad Khan schooled King's Battalion back after his two-race stint  at Bengaluru is likely to gain the top billing in the feature. 

450 horses stationed at the campus in Guindy will compete in the 30-day season and it is needless to mention that the Madras Race Club offers the highest stakes in the country. The South India Derby which attracts the best horses on the Indian circuit is scheduled to be held on Jan 14 . Chief Stipendiary Steward and Handicapper Vincent Dhanaraj satisfied with the buzz generated at the start of the season disclosed that 56 A and B license saddle artistes will parade their skills at the centre and it will be a very competitive season  taking into account that apart from the classics, visiting trainers from Bengaluru, Hyderabad and a couple from Mumbai will saddle their tops horses in the big plums. "We are pleased to announce that we will host eight Juvenile Millions, and the MRC Million events for juveniles attract  the star performers from neighbouring states," said Vincent adding that MRC has offered a sum of Rs, 18 crore for the season. 

"The horses at the campus look in good shape and a good number of horses coming in after the conclusion of the Bangalore summer season are fit to make their presence early in the season, said Vincent pointing out that the Guindy track is in ship-shape condition and after a hot and humid summer, the weather is good to parade your skills and make an impression," said Vincent. 

Unlike in the past, racing at Guindy will be conducted once a week and this provides the trainers the required time and space to put in good number of entries which will ensure that no race goes void due to the paucity of acceptors, revealed Vincent.  Most pros satisfied with the facilities at this premier centre made no secret of their opinion that they are ready and looking forward to make a winning start and so too are the horses judiciously prepared to gallop to fame.