MUMBAI: The surge of COVID-19 cases has forced the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) to take its annual blue riband race – the Kingfisher Ultra India Derby – behind closed doors this year, with no ticketing for the general public.
This was announced by the officials during a press conference here on Monday.
“The RWITC is honoured to host yet another edition of the Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby. Despite the restrictions on spectators coming in, we look forward to experiencing the crowning of the Indian champion. The RWITC along with our long-standing partners, United Breweries Limited continue to strive towards a grand success of the event while taking all safety precautions required,” said RWITC chairman Zavaray Poonawalla.
The event however will be available for all via live streaming on SEA based Sports Tech business, 1 Play Sport’s Facebook and YouTube handles and further amplified across digital platforms. As is the case every year, the Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby will showcase India’s best thoroughbreds, jockeys, where the winning connections will walk away with over Rs 15 million in prize money.
“The Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby is the most prestigious equestrian racing events of the year. In a normal year we would have had a packed house with sports, racing and fashionista aficionados coming together in large numbers and showing their unending support to witness the majestic event in full fanfare, including entertainment that would have kept everyone engaged late into the night,” said Gurpreet Singh, head Marketing, United Breweries Limited.
Singh added: “This year the teams are working together to ensure a safe environment for those conducting and covering the event so that we are able to bring to our patrons an immersive racing experience via 1 Play Sport’s Facebook and Youtube handles.”
