Zavaray S. Poonawalla will sponsor the blue riband Invitation Cup and the as well as the prestigious Mysore Derby in the 16-day Mysuru racing season beginning here on Thursday.

Mr. Poonawalla will also support the 1000 and 2000 Guineas, Mysore Dasara Sprint Championship and the Mysore Race Club Anniversary Cup.

Wherever the guaranteed stake money is not fully covered by the Mysore Race Club’s contribution and sweepstakes collections, the shortfall will be shared equally between Mr. Poonawalla and the club.

MRC chairman K.T. Balakrishna also revealed the advertised stake money for the season is approximately ₹7 crore, excluding the prize money for races conducted during the Invitation Cup weekend.