Horse racing is a popular sport in India and has been practiced for centuries. Many prestigious horse races are held in the country, some dating back hundreds of years. Five “Classic” races exist in India that are comparable to the original British classic races. Here are 7 of the biggest and most famous horse races in India:
Indian 1,000 Guineas
On Friday, January 1, 1943, The Indian 1000 Guineas held its first race. This event has been held twice in Pune instead of the Mumbai route. The Group 1 Indian 1,000 Guineas is a flat horse race held on the second Sunday in December and open only to 3 years old thoroughbred fillies; it has level weights over a distance of 1609 metres (1 mile). The Indian 1000 Guineas is run in the last month (December) of each year.
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Indian 2,000 Guineas
The Group 1 Indian Two Thousand Guineas, commonly referred to as the Indian 2,000 Guineas or simply the 2,000 Guineas, is a flat horse race open to 3-year-old thoroughbred fillies and colts in India. On the second Sunday in December, it is run over 1600 metres (1 mile) at level weights, with the fillies receiving a 1.5-kilogram allowance.
The Indian Oaks
The Oaks is named after the Carshalton estate “The Oaks” of the Earl of Derby. The sweepstakes for three-year-old fillies over a distance of 2414 meters (one and a half miles) was planned there at a dinner party by the Earl and his guests, and it was first to run in 1779. Earl’s own horse, “Bridget,” took first place. As a result, “The Oaks” was created.
Each year, the Indian Oaks is run at the end of January. It is only open to fillies and is one of the five Indian classic races. The Indian Oaks (Gr. 1) is a race for 4-year-old thoroughbred fillies run over a distance of one mile and four furlongs. It was originally run in India from 1943–1944. Except twice, when it was run on February 1, it has always been contested in January.
The Pune Derby
The Pune Derby, The 2000 Guineas, and St. Leger constitute the “Triple Crown” in that age group’s thoroughbred racing. The Pune Derby was first held on Sunday, October 7, 1984, under the name “The Splendor Deluxe Pune Derby.”
Indian St. Leger
The last and longest of the five Indian Classic races held in Western India is the Group 1 Indian St. Leger, the Indian Triple Crown’s third leg. 4-year-olds over 2800 meters typically compete in the Indian St. Leger in late March. On Cantley Common in Doncaster, this race was first conducted in 1778. The race bears Lt. Gen. Antony St. Leger’s name, a well-known local sporting figure in England. This event was held for the first time in India in 1944 under the name “The Governor General’s Cup,” which was known as The Indian St. Leger from that point on.
With the exception of St. Leger, which is raced in Pune, all other races are run at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse in Mumbai.
Which Indian racecourse is the largest?
India’s largest horse racing course is the Kolkata Race Course in Hastings, Kolkata. The Royal Calcutta Turf Club maintains the racetrack, built in 1820.
In India, how many horse races are held?
India has nine racecourses in all, which are overseen by six different authorities. There are 5 Group 1 races, 3 Group 2 races, and 7 Group 3 races in India.
Are horse races popular in India?
Indian horse racing dates back more than 200 years. In Madras, India, the first racetrack was established in 1777. In India, horse racing and breeding are still significant enterprises with a large fan base. India’s racing and the breeding sector is quite well established, and six racing agencies use nine racetracks to perform the sport. Breeding is highly valued in this sport, and only horses produced in India are permitted to participate in the races is one of its intriguing features.
Who is India’s No 1 jockey?
Pradeep Singh Chauhan is India’s number one jockey. Chauhan has won over 1,600 races, including four Derbys, eight Oaks, and multiple other prestigious races. It took 12 years to get the first 500 victories, but it only took three years to get the following 500.
How much money does an Indian horse jockey make?
In India, a jockey makes an average salary of INR 434,079 per year and INR 209 per hour. A jockey can expect to make INR 326,443-INR 536,299 per year in income.
What is the richest horse race in India?
The Indian Derby, also known as the Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby, is the richest horse race in India. This Group 1 horse race is open to 3-year-old thoroughbreds and is run over a distance of 2,400 metres. The Indian Derby is held at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse in Mumbai.
What are the biggest horse races in India?
India is home to several prestigious horse races, including the Indian Derby, the Indian 1,000 Guineas, the Indian 2,000 Guineas, the Indian Oaks, and the Indian St. Leger. These races, which parallel the original British classic races, are primarily held at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse in Mumbai, with the Indian St. Leger taking place in Pune.
Which is the biggest racecourse in India?
The Mahalaxmi Racecourse, located in Mumbai, is one of the most significant racecourses in India, hosting the esteemed Indian Derby. Established in 1883, this historic venue is not only a centerpiece for horse racing in India but also serves as a multifunctional space for the community during the off-season.
How can I find reliable Indian horse racing tips?
For accurate and dependable Indian horse racing tips, it’s crucial to seek information from reputable sources that base their predictions on solid statistical analysis. Reliable tips should consider the horses’ past performance, track conditions, weather impacts, and expert insights into jockeys, trainers, and owners. Websites that offer such comprehensive analyses, especially without charging for their services, can be invaluable resources for bettors.
What should I know before betting on horse racing in India?
Before placing bets on horse races in India, understanding the landscape of horse racing and betting in the country is essential. While betting on horse races is popular, the legal framework can vary, and it’s advisable to use online platforms that operate legally. Familiarize yourself with the different types of bets, the importance of race conditions, and the track record of horses, jockeys, and trainers involved in the race.
Can international horse races affect betting trends in India?
Yes, international horse races can significantly influence betting trends in India, as many Indian horse racing enthusiasts also follow and bet on races globally. Understanding the outcomes and trends of major international races, like the Kentucky Derby in the US or the Royal Ascot in the UK, can provide insights that apply to local betting strategies. Additionally, many Indian betting platforms offer opportunities to bet on both local and international races.
