India today

[my miss storm cat]

Having a hard time finding out when this race is but still... a nice tribute a fine horse.


Mystical to star on Poonawalla Million day
By Vivek Jain


The S.A.Poonawalla Million, Grade 2, is often referred to as the glamour event of the Pune Season. And rightly so, as the Poonawalla family, in trademark fashion, bring in that extra zing to the day that draws in the crowds and gives the course a carnival ambience.

This year, however, the spotlight will not be on fashion or a Bollywood beauty, but on an equine champion called Mystical. This multiple classic winning son of Alnasr Alwasheek stormed Dubai earlier this year with two splendid wins and created history for an Indian bred.

Zavaray Poonawalla and family, the proud owners, will show him off on their home turf, by cantering him on the race track prior to the Million before being accorded a reception with a garland of roses in the paddock. Horses are the real stars, and for a change a thoroughbred will be the main attraction of a sponsored day.

The race itself, in all probability will have a smallish field, but has a record purse of over Rs 14 lakh this year. This makes it one of the top juvenile semi-classic events at the Pune Meet.

In addition to the mystique of Mystical, Zavaray will offer the pomp and splendour that attracts the casual visitor to the races. There will be the usual prizes and the Maruti car, is as always, a huge draw. In addition, music and food on the lawns for invitees will add to the ambience and a young crowd is expected to come flowing in.

The S.A.Poonawalla day is about the mid-point of the Pune season where sponsors have already offered a new theme each weekend. There is still much more to follow and race-goers are surely in for an unmatched treat in the weeks to follow.