The Republic Day - Poonawalla Bangalore Derby
When I opened the Republic Day edition of the Times of India, one thing which caught my attention in the sports section was the news about the Bangalore Derby. Fancy names like Refreshing , Flashing star, Laughing Buddha adorned the page and were tipped as favourites. I have been passing by the Bangalore Turf Club ever since I was born , but never been inside even a single time. Curious about the hype & hoopla surrounding this and also wanting to utilize this photo opportunity I decided to witness the Republic day Derby with my childhood friend Manju.
All roads leading to the Bangalore Turf Club were jam packed with all kinds of vehicles ranging from swanky cars, bikes, autorickshaws and even cycles. The cops had a tough time managing the ruckus created by the hugely expectant crowd.
The logistics which were involved were mindboggling. Thousands of employees, Giant LCD displays, countless TV monitors, Fire brigade, Police force, Ambulances, food counters and what not.
There were nine races lined up for the day , the sixth one being the Big one - The poonwalla Bangalore Derby. I was excited to see the electrifying atmosphere & air of expectancy among the people. The crowd ranged from the The glamour man of Indian racing Dr.Vijay Mallya, the enigmatic Dr. M.A.M.Ramaswamy, film actress Keerthi Reddy, the Stylish Shehansha Feroz Khan, owners of the elegant horses, hot looking chic babes and a host of other Rich, Famous and ordinary people.
Before each race there is a showcase of all the horses which feature in the particular race.
The beautiful Silva Storai atop the horse Space craft.
I was happy freezing the moments of the famous derby whilst many others were betting their fortunes on these shining powerful cavalios
The excited crowd waiting in anticipation wether their horse will make it to the finish.
People in the members stand betting on their pick in one of the numerous betting counters.
Srikantadatta wodeyar on the extreme right.
The favourite of the day Flashing star guided by jockey Prakash lives up to its expectations and captures the prized Poonawallah Bangalore Derby 2006.
Dr MAM Ramaswamy having a walk along with the star jockey Prakash.
Just as a sportive bet Manju & myself bet 300 bucks on the horse named Amazing Warrior in the penultimate race of the day which had a mind boggling odds against it. Something was in store for us, surely !!
Against all hopes the Amazing Warrior true to its name makes its way to the finish.
As a publicity stint the derby sponsors - Poonawallah group had a host of prizes includinging a Maruthi car, Honda Activa, 29 inch colour TV for the people who correctly predicted the 1 to 4 places in the Derby race number 6. The contest was open for all.
Fortune favoured a simple man Ranganna from Kunigal ( person in the white shirt on the Giant screen ) and he drove away with the car.
Coming to our bet we pocketed an amazing ......................... hold ur breath ........ 11000 bucks from the mere 300 bucks which was put in play.
Statutory Warning - Hardcore betting is not advisable. A sportive bet & a visit once in a while to soak into the atmosphere is not bad.
All roads leading to the Bangalore Turf Club were jam packed with all kinds of vehicles ranging from swanky cars, bikes, autorickshaws and even cycles. The cops had a tough time managing the ruckus created by the hugely expectant crowd.
The logistics which were involved were mindboggling. Thousands of employees, Giant LCD displays, countless TV monitors, Fire brigade, Police force, Ambulances, food counters and what not.
There were nine races lined up for the day , the sixth one being the Big one - The poonwalla Bangalore Derby. I was excited to see the electrifying atmosphere & air of expectancy among the people. The crowd ranged from the The glamour man of Indian racing Dr.Vijay Mallya, the enigmatic Dr. M.A.M.Ramaswamy, film actress Keerthi Reddy, the Stylish Shehansha Feroz Khan, owners of the elegant horses, hot looking chic babes and a host of other Rich, Famous and ordinary people.
Before each race there is a showcase of all the horses which feature in the particular race.
The beautiful Silva Storai atop the horse Space craft.
I was happy freezing the moments of the famous derby whilst many others were betting their fortunes on these shining powerful cavalios
The excited crowd waiting in anticipation wether their horse will make it to the finish.
People in the members stand betting on their pick in one of the numerous betting counters.
Srikantadatta wodeyar on the extreme right.
The favourite of the day Flashing star guided by jockey Prakash lives up to its expectations and captures the prized Poonawallah Bangalore Derby 2006.
Dr MAM Ramaswamy having a walk along with the star jockey Prakash.
Just as a sportive bet Manju & myself bet 300 bucks on the horse named Amazing Warrior in the penultimate race of the day which had a mind boggling odds against it. Something was in store for us, surely !!
Against all hopes the Amazing Warrior true to its name makes its way to the finish.
As a publicity stint the derby sponsors - Poonawallah group had a host of prizes includinging a Maruthi car, Honda Activa, 29 inch colour TV for the people who correctly predicted the 1 to 4 places in the Derby race number 6. The contest was open for all.
Fortune favoured a simple man Ranganna from Kunigal ( person in the white shirt on the Giant screen ) and he drove away with the car.
Coming to our bet we pocketed an amazing ......................... hold ur breath ........ 11000 bucks from the mere 300 bucks which was put in play.
Statutory Warning - Hardcore betting is not advisable. A sportive bet & a visit once in a while to soak into the atmosphere is not bad.
3 Opinions:
thought i would comment first, i never get to do that usually!
good ones. you should have also taken some pics of the crowd and captured the energy and the disappointment, would have made good shots.
hardcore betting is not advisable! i totally agree!
Me too agree betting not allowed!!!
Interesting sequence of shots!
Appreciate the patience...
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