Pune
The 2026 Pune racing season is set to commence on July 17 and will continue until November 15, as per the official prospectus released by the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC).
The season will be conducted over 21 race days spread across four months, with total prize money of ₹14 crore. With a well-structured programme in place, this year’s season promises high-quality racing and strong participation.
The highlight of the season will be the prestigious Villoo C. Poonawalla Pune Derby (Gr. 1), which carries a rich purse of ₹1 crore, making it the most coveted race of the season.
Another major attraction is the Indian St. Leger (Gr. 1), regarded as the ultimate test of stamina in Indian racing, with prize money of ₹75 lakh.
A total of 844 horses are currently stabled at the Pune Race Course, including 281 two-year-olds, reflecting a healthy blend of experienced runners and promising youngsters.
The professional strength is equally robust, with 29 ‘A’ licensed trainers and 51 ‘A’ licensed jockeys set to participate, ensuring a high standard of competition throughout the season.
The outstation horses will be allowed to compete freely during the season, with restrictions applicable only in the lower classes. This move is expected to enhance competitiveness and add further depth to the racing programme.
The key sponsors contributing to the season include M/s. Cyrus and Adar Poonawalla, Raptakos Brett & Co. Ltd., Mr. K.N. Dhunjibhoy & Family, Poonawalla Group, SRS Group, Yeravada Stud & Agricultural Farm, Mr. C.D. Katrak, family of the late Trainer Altaf Hussain, Burgundy Mantra Luxury Line, and Mr. Varun Mathurawala.
Important races: Aug. 2: Eve Champion Trophy, Altaf Hussain Million and August Handicap; Aug. 8: Yohan Z. Poonawalla Turf Club Trophy; Aug. 15: Teena Katrak Memorial Independence Million.
Aug. 16: F.D. Wadia Trophy and Devendra Jawaharlal Mathurawala Million; Aug. 29: Noshir & Dolly Dhunjibhoy Sprint Million and Idar Gold Trophy.
Sep. 6: Southern Command Gold Trophy and September Handicap; Sep. 12: Pune City Gold Cup and Good Life Company Trophy.
Sep. 13: S.A. Poonawalla Million and Serum Institute of India Trophy; Sep. 20: Indian St. Leger (Gr.1).
Sep. 27: Akkasaheb Maharaj Trophy; Oct. 2: Threptin Fillies’ & Mares’ Stakes and October Handicap.
Oct. 10: Conrad Pune Trophy, Lemon Tree Hotels Trophy and Truefitt & Hill Trophy; Oct. 11: Villoo C. Poonawalla Pune Derby (Gr. 1).
Oct. 18: Mayor Baburao Sanas Memorial Million powered by SRS Group; Nov. 5: General Rajendrasinhji Million; Nov. 15: Burgundy Mantra Luxury Line RWITC Ltd. Trophy.
Racing dates: July: 17 & 24; August: 2, 8, 15, 16, 22 & 29; September: 6, 12, 13, 20 & 27; October: 2, 10, 11, 18, 22 & 31; November: 5 & 15.
Published – July 10, 2026 05:40 pm IST
