(Source: https://www.amazingmaharashtra.com/2012/11/mahalaxmi-race-course.html)

Equestrian sports are very popular in India. The country has its unique horse breeds, and the army still has cavalry units. But horse racing occupies a special place in Indian culture. Locals do not consider it a game of chance but rather a fair competition. In this article, we will tell you all the most interesting things about the peculiarities of horse racing in India.

The History of Horse Racing in India

In addition to horses of domestic selection, Arabian racehorses have long been in great demand and loved in India. The famous traveler Marco Polo noted in his travel notes that “Indian merchants import many purebred Arabian horses from Aden to their country.” Arabian horses were used in India both for purebred breeding and to improve the local herd, and it was on them that races were initially held, which have long been popular in this country. 

The first hippodrome was built in the south of India, in Madras, in 1777, and Arabs and various half-breeds were tested there. A few years later, racecourses appeared in Bombay and Bangalore. By 1830, there were already more than twenty of them in the country, and finally, in 1885, there were already 76 racecourses in India. Breeding racehorses and testing them at racecourses developed largely under the influence of English colonialism. However, there were few thoroughbred horses in the country. Importing them from England was very expensive and challenging. 

The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 radically changed the situation. Now, it took only a few weeks to deliver horses from foggy Albion, instead of the previous several months. Since the beginning of the 19th century, thoroughbred horses have gradually begun to displace Arabian horses from the racetracks of India. Currently, only young thoroughbred horses are tested at the nine racetracks operating in the country.

What Are the Big Races in India?

(Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Derby)

Horse racing is considered a legal form of gambling in India because it is regarded as a game of skill. This is a strange justification for the legality of horse racing as a form of gambling and is typical of India’s gambling laws.

However, horse racing is trendy in India. There are seven main racecourses in the country: Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Mysore, Pune, and Delhi. Attending a race is inexpensive and, therefore, attracts a large crowd every time. Bollywood stars often attend such events, creating a festive and joyful atmosphere.

Enthusiasts can place bets at bookmakers. There is also a betting shop at the racecourse, which operates a fixed pool betting system. Banks are transferred between bookmakers every day, and the betting area is usually crowded. Bookmakers open credit accounts for high rollers, and people constantly haggle with bookies before each round.

The races are held on smooth tracks, most of which are relics of the British colonial era. Separate sections for special visitors and bars still convey the grandeur of the British Empire, and some of the perfect tracks are among the most beautiful in the world.

Separate bookmakers outside the racetracks can be found all over India. Here, punters gather with their notebooks and spend a lot of time betting on horses. Betting on foreign races is rare in the country, but punters are well-versed in Indian racing. You are sure to find rooms filled with true experts at every racetrack in India.

The testing system here has a number of differences from the generally accepted system. Due to the hot climate, the racing season begins in the fall and ends in early spring. The length of the season varies at different racetracks.

Indian Racing Calendar: Races and Major Events

(Source: https://ru.pinterest.com/pin/552746554239210055/)

As we have already mentioned, the racing schedule in India is very different from Europe. Let’s take a closer look at the key equestrian events in the country.

Indian Derby

Every year, on the first Sunday of February, Mumbai hosts the most glamorous sporting event in the country, the Indian Derby. The full name is the Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby, but no one calls it that now because the owner of Kingfisher and the main sponsor of the derby in past years – Vijay Mallya – is number one economic criminal for the Indian government and is hiding from the law in the UK. But no one here remembers this anymore because today’s competition is sponsored by completely different people. These races traditionally take place at the oldest racecourse, Mahalaxmi, in Mumbai. The competitions were first held here in 1943. Since then, every year, the entire Indian elite comes here in February to “tickle” their nerves – horse racing is one of the few sports in India on which betting is officially allowed. At one time, this issue even had to be addressed to the country’s Supreme Court, which ruled that cash bets on horse racing are more skill than luck and gave the go-ahead for the installation of a totalizator.

However, apart from the horse races themselves, one of the main points of this event is fashion: there is a special dress code for men, but national clothes are allowed as an exception, and ladies are allowed everything except bathing suits. But Indian women consider it obligatory to come to the derby in a hat – for the last couple of decades, this is a mandatory attribute of a woman’s wardrobe here.

Bangalore Derby

This event has a long history and tradition and is one of the most important events in the South Asian racing calendar.

The event features the best jockeys and racehorses from around the world competing to win prestigious races, including the Golden Guineas Cup, the tournament’s top prize. The races are held at the Bangalore Racecourse, one of the largest in Asia, which has all the necessary facilities to host top-class racing.

The atmosphere at the Bangalore Racecourse is filled with excitement, and watching the thrilling competitions is a real treat for equestrian enthusiasts. The event also attracts a large number of tourists who come to Bangalore to enjoy this grand event and get to know Indian culture and traditions.

Indian Oaks

This prestigious race is held at Mahalaxmi Racecourse. Here, horses compete in endurance because the distance of the race is 2400 m. Only three-year-olds participate in it. Winning this race is a coveted stage for any jockey.

Betting: A Major Part of Horse Racing

Of course, horse racing is not only an exciting spectacle but also a way to earn money. And the first question is the legality of such an activity.

And betting fans in India face difficulties. Sports betting in India is mostly illegal, with the exception of betting on horse racing. All other sports are regulated by the laws of individual states or the general laws of India.

The thing is that horse racing is not considered as gambling. It is a competition of skill between jockeys and trainers. So, you can check India race odds with complete peace of mind. It’s completely legal. Many locals love to bet on their favorite horses.

The Most Famous Horses

Over the rich history of Indian racing, fans have seen many great horses. But some stand out in particular. Let’s look at the horses that have made history.

• Anvil Star. This Mysore Race Club horse is remembered by fans for his wild energy. He showed miracles of speed at the finish. His unrivaled characteristics and amazing work ethic allowed him to win the Indian Derby and Bangalore Derby.
• Mystical. This horse with an impeccable pedigree was destined to win. This smart and strong horse has delighted fans many times with confident victories in key championships.
• Desert God. This is a modern legend of Indian racing. A magnificent stallion who leaves no chance to his opponents. He was distinguished by his rare tenacity and longevity.
• Squanderer. This horse is well remembered by Indian racing fans. Excellent speed and agility allowed him to easily overtake his rivals, showing miracles on the track.

Of course, there were many more prize winners and simply outstanding horses. However, they deserve a separate article because there is something to tell about each one.

What Can We Expect in the Future?

(Source: https://vooinc.com/bet-india-race-the-role-of-jockeys-in-indian-horse-racing/)

The Indian government is doing everything it can to promote domestic horse breeding. It limits the import of foreign horses to encourage the production of high-class racehorses by locals. Therefore, in the future, we will see an increase in the number of champions of Indian selection. In addition, given the significant interest in horse racing, it can be safely assumed that it will develop both in technical and social aspects.

Conclusion

Horse racing in India is not just a competition of horses for speed and endurance. It is a real cultural event. A huge number of people gather at the racetracks. For Indians, it is a competition for jockey skills and the art of trainers. Therefore, horse racing in this country will develop and delight us with new spectacles.