Mysuru: “Twelve years ago, Mysore Race Club (MRC) Ltd. was inducted as Indian racing’s youngest independent Turf Authority. In October 2026, it will host its second Indian Turf Invitation Weekend, marking yet another significant milestone in a remarkable journey,” said Mysore Race Club (MRC) Chairman K.T. Balakrishna.

Addressing a press meet at MRC Club House yesterday, he said the Club’s history stretches back 136 years, having celebrated its centenary in 1991. The last Saturday of February and the first Sunday of March 2020 heralded a new epoch in the annals of racing at Mysuru. Six years later, in October 2026, the Club is all set to once again showcase Indian racing at its very best, he said.

What makes this occasion even more special is the inclusion of Mysore Derby Group 1 in Invitation Weekend programme. For the first time, the Weekend will feature Five Group 1 Races and One Group 2 Race, with ten additional Million races a truly extraordinary line-up that promises to place Mysuru in national racing spotlight.

 Championship Racing

Oct. 24 will see the first three of the five Group contests take centre stage. The Zavaray S. Poonawalla Mysore Derby – Group 1, the Blue Riband of the Mysore season, will test the finest classic contenders. The Zavaray S. Poonawalla Sprinters’ Cup – Group 1 promises a breathtaking exhibition of speed, while the Zavaray S. Poonawalla Stayers’ Cup – Group 1 will demand the ultimate test of stamina.

The action continues on Oct. 25, with two more prestigious Group 1 contests. The Zavaray S. Poonawalla Indian Turf Invitation Cup – Group 1 will seek to crown the champion over a classic distance, while the Major P. K. Mehra Memorial Super Mile Cup – Group 1 will bring together the country’s finest specialist milers.

Prestigious Poonawalla Indian Turf Invitation Cup.

Adding further depth to an already exceptional programme will be Suresh Mahindra Multi-Million – Group 2, a fiercely competitive 1400-metre contest expected to provide one of the highlights of the Weekend. The ten additional Million races will further enrich the programme, promising two days of spirited competition and outstanding racing.

Contest of skill

In association with Zavaray S. Poonawalla, the Club will organise a special Contest of Skill on Sunday (Oct. 25) offering a Renault Kiger 1.0 L car as first prize, two mobikes as second prize and five smartwatches as consolation prizes.

The initiative will add an extra dimension of excitement and engagement for racing patrons, complementing the championship action on the track.

Honouring Legends of Indian Racing

The weekend will also celebrate the achievements and enduring contributions  of those who have shaped Indian horse racing.

The Turf Authorities of India Racing Excellence Awards 2024-25 will recognise the Champion Owner, Champion Trainer, Champion Jockey, Champion Stud Farm and Champion Horse.

The prestigious Legend of Indian Horse Racing Award and Hall of Fame Award will honour distinguished personalities whose contributions have left a lasting imprint  on the sport.

The programme will also recognise the prestigious IFHA Outstanding Contribution Award, honour a former jockey and a former trainer for their contributions to racing and feature a presentation of the Japan Cup by representatives of the Japan Racing  Association.

Together, these honours will celebrate excellence, heritage and the international connections that enrich Indian racing, the MRC Chairman said.