International_Thoroughbred_April

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racing in india

horses in from all over the country on an-allexpenses paid for trip. The weekend is the most eagerly looked forward to in the Indian racing calendar. While the stellar attraction of the weekend is the race to determine the champion of champions, the Indian Turf Invitation Cup, but more races have been added to the meeting over the last decade, to make the event a truly colourful one. The racing awards, the social functions that go with the event, and the races to determine the champion sprinter and champion stayer as well as the champion of champions have made the weekend a memorable one. The event is held on rotation among the five turf authorities of India, although due

to problems elsewhere the meeting was held in Mumbai for a second year in succession. Moonlight Romance (left, with big race jockey Richard Hughes) became the second horse in the last ten years after Smart Chieftain to win the Bangalore Derby, Indian Derby and the Invitation Cup, which is open only to four-yearolds. Usha Stud Farm could not have asked for a better result. The first two home were both by their farm’s stallion, the Group 1 runner and former Godolphinowned son of Red Ransom, China Visit. Typically, breeders in India are as impatient as breeders the world over and had started to dimiss the stallion. He has

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