Racing

Mysuru Prepares to Host Prestigious 64th Indian Turf Invitation Cup Weekend

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 22, 2026, 20:11 IST

The Mysore Race Club is set to host the 64th Indian Turf Invitation Cup Weekend this Saturday and Sunday, featuring five Group 1 races and a total prize purse of ₹5.65 crore.

Mysuru Prepares to Host Prestigious 64th Indian Turf Invitation Cup Weekend

The Mysore Race Club is set to host a high-stakes weekend of equestrian action as it prepares for the 64th Indian Turf Invitation Cup. The two-day event, scheduled for Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25, marks the second time the city has hosted this prestigious fixture, having previously held the event in 2020.

Originally slated for March, the event was rescheduled following a glanders outbreak that impacted racing across southern India. The upcoming programme is particularly notable for the inclusion of the Mysore Derby, which will be contested as part of the weekend schedule for the first time in the event's history.

A Packed Schedule of Group Racing

The weekend will showcase a high-calibre field of competitors, with the programme featuring five Group 1 races, one Group 2 contest, and 10 additional Million races. In total, the event offers stakes amounting to ₹5.65 crore, drawing significant attention from owners, trainers, and racing enthusiasts across the country.

Saturday’s racing card is headlined by three major Group 1 events: the Zavaray Poonawalla Mysore Derby, the Zavaray Poonawalla Sprinters’ Cup, and the Zavaray Poonawalla Stayers’ Cup. The action continues on Sunday with the marquee Zavaray Poonawalla Indian Turf Invitation Cup, which boasts a purse of ₹1.50 crore, alongside the Major P.K. Mehra Memorial Super Mile Cup. The Suresh Mahindra Multi-Million, a Group 2 race, is also expected to be a key highlight of the Sunday programme.

Sponsorship and Community Engagement

The scale of the event has been bolstered by significant sponsorship, with Zavaray Poonawalla supporting four of the five Group 1 races. The Mysore Race Club has expressed its gratitude to both the sponsors and various turf clubs for their collaborative efforts in ensuring the weekend could proceed as planned.

Beyond the racing itself, organisers have arranged a special contest of skill for attendees on Sunday. In partnership with Mr. Poonawalla, the competition offers a Renault Kiger car as the top prize, with additional rewards including two motorcycles and five smartwatches. As the city readies itself to welcome leading horses and professionals from across India, the weekend is anticipated to be a landmark occasion on the national racing calendar.