Racing

Zavaray Poonawalla to sponsor marquee events for Mysuru racing season

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 2, 2026, 23:16 IST

Zavaray S. Poonawalla has been confirmed as the sponsor for several major races during the upcoming 16-day Mysuru racing season, including the prestigious Invitation Cup and the Mysore Derby.

Zavaray Poonawalla to sponsor marquee events for Mysuru racing season

The upcoming 16-day Mysuru racing season is set to receive a significant boost as Zavaray S. Poonawalla has been announced as the sponsor for several of the calendar's most prominent events. The season, which is scheduled to commence this Thursday, will feature high-profile races backed by the prominent racing figure.

Among the marquee events included in the sponsorship package are the blue riband Invitation Cup and the highly anticipated Mysore Derby. These races serve as the highlights of the local racing calendar, drawing considerable attention from enthusiasts and participants alike.

Expanded support for the racing calendar

Beyond the headline events, Mr. Poonawalla’s commitment extends to a variety of other key fixtures throughout the season. His support will cover the 1000 Guineas and the 2000 Guineas, as well as the Mysore Dasara Sprint Championship and the Mysore Race Club Anniversary Cup.

To ensure the financial stability of these races, a specific arrangement has been established regarding stake money. In instances where the guaranteed stake money is not entirely covered by the Mysore Race Club’s own contributions and sweepstakes collections, the resulting shortfall will be shared equally between Mr. Poonawalla and the club.

Financial outlook for the season

The Mysore Race Club (MRC) has outlined a robust financial framework for the duration of the 16-day meet. According to MRC chairman K.T. Balakrishna, the total advertised stake money for the season is approximately ₹7 crore. This figure notably excludes the additional prize money allocated for the races scheduled during the Invitation Cup weekend, suggesting a substantial investment in the sport's local infrastructure.