The Bold & Beautiful McDowell Signature Indian Derby 2010 kicks off today

6 Feb 2010 | Press release

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Mumbai, February 6, 2010: The McDowell Signature Indian Derby that brings bolder excitement and higher stakes at its 2010 edition, with a prize purse of over Rs. 2 crores got off to a pulsating start today.

Day one of the McDowell Signature Derby weekend and the Mahalaxmi Race Course was transformed into the Playground of the Bold & Beautiful as racing enthusiasts, socialites and noted personalities came to witness the thrill of the first day of the races as some of the finest thoroughbreds competed against each other.

The uber-cool and stylish hub – a state-of-the art air-conditioned hanger was abuzz with activity and a special carnival atmosphere with a tarot card reader, designer stalls- a complete flea market feel.

Tribute performances to Michael Jackson by the energetic Robin Parsons completely wowed the audience as he brought the king of Pop back to life with his jaw-dropping rendition of ‘Bad’, ‘Wanna Be Starting’, whilst internationally acclaimed singer Kaiya paid her tribute to Tina Turner with songs like ‘Simply the Best’. Witlox, Europe’s leading illusionist casted a spell as he performed some unbelievable tricks to keep the audience entertained. The performances took place simultaneously in the Paddock area and the AC lounge in between races and will be repeated through Sunday afternoon leading up to the Derby at 5:15 pm. 

Mr V K Rekhi, President and Managing Director, United Spirits Limited, said, "As a part of our commitment to make McDowell Signature Indian Derby a memorable event every year, we have ensured that the 2010 edition is abuzz with the excitement of a never before prize money and participation from the best of the racing and fashion world. McDowell Signature Indian Derby is the much awaited and electrifying confluence of sport, fashion, fun and high-energy excitement. This is the only sporting event that has had a continuous 25 years corporate partnership with United Spirits and we look forward to celebrating another memorable 25."

During the 26 years of our association, we have ensured that the McDowell Signature Indian Derby has evolved as one of the most celebrated Derby events in the world. With a prize purse of over Rs 2 crores, we have given the country, its richest individual sporting event. The Indian Derby has arrived; and McDowell Signature Indian Derby 2010 celebrates this achievement with unprecedented thrill and entertainment".

The theme for McDowell Signature Indian Derby continues to be Bold and Beautiful. Bolder because, not only does competition gets fiercer with the participation of some of the best Indian and international jockeys, the stakes get bigger as the richest individual sporting event in India becomes bigger this year. Beautiful as it’s a celebration of legends in racing, music, fashion, entertainment, luxury which is sure to make this Derby a memorable one. McDowell Signature Indian Derby has evolved into a unique coming together of connoisseurs of the good life, who have the penchant for racing and appreciation of premium brands.

Vivek Jain, Chairman, Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) said, "McDowell Signature Indian Derby 2010 redefines Indian sport. For the first time ever the winner of a race takes away over Rs.1.25 crore as prize money. India’s best horses and the best riding talent, including a number of the topmost international jockeys will be a part of this year’s derby. The UB Group always brings a special dimension to the day, and we at the RWITC hope to make it truly a spectacular weekend."

Signature international entertainment acts, top-of-the-game fashion czars, and the electric fervor of the racing enthusiasts- all make the McDowell Signature Indian Derby 2010, an event that truly cannot be missed.

The sleek Mercedes that will be won in the contest to select the first four home in the Derby was on display, as well as a replica of F1 Force India Race Car.

Sunday is a day excitedly awaited by one and all when the biggest of the Derby races takes place. Designer Narendra Kumar will showcase his exclusive creation especially made for the Derby on model Sara Jane –the Signature ambassador together with other top models.  Lots of action, glamour and glitz- it’s all going to happen at Day 2 of the Derby weekend tomorrow.

The most gorgeous Bold and Beautiful ladies and men at the venue, will be presented a McDowell Hamper that includes Hats, premium cigars and cutters courtesy Habanos. The beautiful will be gifted sunglasses by Braccialini and shirts for men by Theirry Mugler courtesy Ministry of Fashion.

Said Mohit Lalwani, Consultant to the races, “I have yet to see a Derby that has attracted such attention this early on. The fact is that it is the most prestigious horse race in India. With the marriage of sport to fashion and entertainment, the McDowell Signature Indian Derby is unique. It has the best of the entertainment of the Kentucky Derby coupled with and the fashion statements associated with the Epsom Derby and having frequently been to both, the MSID is becoming the benchmark for others to emulate. Needless to say that the thrill of seeing the trials and tribulations, joys and celebrations of the magnificent thoroughbreds makes this a ‘must go to’ event.”

“Saddle Up”, launched last year after Dr Mallya’s legendary horse, has been named the Signature cocktail for the McDowell Signature Indian Derby. Keeping with the Derby traditions worldwide, this Signature whisky based cocktail will be a special summer cocktail which will be served at the Derby every year. As temperatures soar with the glitz and glam at the McDowell Signature Indian Derby, Saddle up will refresh the racing spirit.

Time

Mins

6th Feb - Day 1 - Day Session

Location

Performance 1

60

DJ

 

1300
Race 1

 

The Romanov Red Chase Your Passion' Challenge Division II

 

Performance 2

10

Tina Turner (10 mins)

Hanger

1330
Race 2

 

The Romanov Red Chase Your Passion' Challenge Division I

 

Performance 3

10
10

Jay Witlox (10 mins) 
Tina Turner (10 mins)

Hanger 
Paddok

1400
Race 3

 

The United Spirits Challenge Class II

 

Performance 4

15

MJ (15 mins)

Hanger

1430
Race 4

 

The White Mischife Challenge

 

Performance 5

 

Jay Witlox (10 mins)

Paddok

1510
Race 5

 

The McDowell Signature Trophy- Division II

 

Performance 6

10

MJ (10 mins)

Hanger

1545
Race 6

 

The Bouvet-Ladubay Championship Class III

 

Performance 7

10
10

Jay Witlox (10 mins)
MJ (10 mins)

Hanger
Paddock

1615
Race 7

 

The Black Dog Trophy Class I

 

Performance 8

 

Tina Turner (10 mins)

Paddock

1650
Race 8

 

The Kunigal Stud Breedres Produce Stakes Grade 3

 

Performance 9

10

Jay Witlox (10 mins)

Paddock

1730
Race 9

 

The Whyte and Mackay Challenge

 

Performance 10

15

MJ (15 mins)

Paddock

1815
Race 10

 

The McDowell Signature Trophy- Division I

 

Performance 11

15
15

MJ (15 mins) + Tina (15 mins)

Hanger

 

Time

Mins

7th Feb - Day 2 - Day Session

Location

Performance 1

60

DJ

 

12:30
   Race 1

 

The Isle Of Jura Cup Class V

 

Performance 2

10

Tina Turner (10 mins)

Hanger

13:00
  Race 2

 

The Antiquity Blue fusion of The Finest Trophy

 

Performance 3

10
10

Jay Witlox (10 mins) 
Tina Turner (10 mins)

Hanger 
Paddok

13:30
  Race 3

 

The Royal Challenge Game For The Life Challenge Class II

 

Performance 4

15

MJ (15 mins)

Hanger

14:00
  Race 4

 

The Antiquity  Rare Fusion Of The Finest Cup Division II

 

Performance 5

 

Jay Witlox (10 mins)

Paddok

14:40
  Race 5

 

The Dalmore Cup

 

Performance 6

10

MJ (10 mins)

Hanger

15:20
  Race 6

 

The R.N Kanga Gold Trophy

 

Performance 7

10
10

Jay Witlox (10 mins)
MJ (10 mins)

Hanger
Paddock

15:50
  Race 7

 

The McDowell signature Bold And Beautiful Trophy Class III

 

Performance 8

 

Tina Turner (10 mins)

Paddock

16:30
  Race 8

 

The B.K Rattonsey Memorial Maiden Multi Million

 

Performance 9

10

Mj (15 mins)  + Jay Witlox (10 mins)

Hanger

17:15
  Race 9

 

The  McDowell signature Indian Derby Grade I

 

Performance 10

15

Jay Witlox (15 mins)

Paddock

18:00
  Race 10

 

The Antiquity Rare Fusion Of The Finest Cup- Division I

 

Performance 11

15
15

MJ (15 mins) + Tina (15 mins)

Hanger