Mysore Race Club Prepares for High-Stakes Invitation Cup Weekend

The Mysore Race Club is set to host a landmark weekend of horse racing, featuring a rare schedule of five Grade-1 and one Grade-2 races over 48 hours. This ambitious program marks a significant moment for the organization, echoing the scale of major racing events last seen in December 2019. The upcoming fixtures, beginning Saturday, October 24, promise a compelling narrative as seasoned champions face off against emerging talent across several prestigious categories.

The weekend’s action is defined by the tension between established veterans and younger competitors. Racing enthusiasts are particularly focused on the Zavaray Poonawalla Sprinters’ Cup, where the six-year-old champion Time And Tide aims to secure a third consecutive title. Achieving this would be a historic milestone, as no horse has accomplished a three-peat in this event since its inception in 1979. However, the veteran faces stiff competition from four-year-olds Moneybags and Encino, with Moneybags entering the contest on the back of an impressive six-race winning streak and the benefit of local track knowledge.

Meanwhile, the Zavaray Poonawalla Stayers’ Cup over 3000 metres has seen a shift in expectations following the withdrawal of the defending champion, Ramiel. The spotlight now falls on Red Bishop and the 2024 winner, Dyf. As the sole four-year-old in the field, the Indian St. Leger winner Red Bishop is viewed as a primary contender, though he must overcome the proven endurance of some of the country’s most experienced stayers. The event, organized by Zavaray S. Poonawalla in partnership with the Mysore Race Club, will be broadcast live for free via the club’s website and YouTube channel.