Prepare for an exhilarating spectacle as the 41st Villoo C. Poonawalla Pune Derby kicks off on Sunday, October 12th, at the historic Pune Racecourse. This premier equestrian event is proudly sponsored by Mr. Cyrus S. Poonawalla, honoring the memory of his late wife, Villoo C. Poonawalla.
As the highlight of Pune’s racing calendar, this Grade 1 event boasts an impressive total prize purse exceeding ₹6 million, with the victorious horse taking home a significant ₹3.7 million.
The excitement isn’t limited to Sunday! The Derby Weekend features a total of 14 thrilling races—six on Saturday, October 11th, and a further eight on the main Derby day, October 12th.
Beyond the track, the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC), in collaboration with the Poona Cartel, is hosting a vibrant Derby Weekend Carnival. Attendees can enjoy the exclusive Cartel Sundowner event, complete with expertly crafted cocktails, diverse gourmet food stalls, and captivating live entertainment.
Among the nine elite contenders vying for glory, Prasanna Kumar’s superbly bred colt, Prokofiev, is definitely one to watch. After a narrow miss at the Hyderabad Colts Championship last month, he’s been training exceptionally well and appears primed to challenge for this coveted title.
Zacharias, from Pesi Shroff’s stable, is another strong contender. Having secured a close second to Baychimo in his last outing, his recent workouts show he’s in peak condition and ready to deliver a powerful performance.
Not to be overlooked is Baychimo, trained by Adhirajsingh Jodha, who already claimed the prestigious S.A. Poonawalla Million. This champion continues to impress and could very well clinch another victory.
Breaking the male dominance in this star-studded lineup is Golden Dancer, the sole filly, trained by Dallas Todywalla. Her commanding win in her last race and superb recent trials suggest she’s a formidable force. With her graceful stride and fierce determination, she’s fully capable of outperforming her male rivals.
Finally, Gunsmoke, representing Malesh Narredu’s formidable yard, finished a commendable third in his previous start. This colt has shown remarkable improvement in his morning sessions and could emerge as the dark horse, potentially surprising everyone if the race unfolds in his favor.