Forest Flame and Star Is Born are getting ready. They will clash with Juliet, Own Opinion and others in Guindy this weekend.
These horses are ready for the prestigious Indian Turf Invitational Cup, widely regarded as one of the biggest sporting events in the country. With this Diamond Jubilee Year edition, the race will return to Chennai after six years and will feature the crme de la crme of India’s horse racing circuit.
“It is a huge event that will showcase the best horses from across the country,” says MAMR Muttiah, president of the Madras Race Club, sitting comfortably in his sprawling Chettinad Palace. “We want to bring back the glory of Madras Racing as it was three decades ago.”
He is referring to the time when the game was more popular than cricket. “It was followed by a lot of people at the time,” he recalls. “Today’s generation has moved towards cricket and has forgotten racing. The cricket stadium at Chepauk was, in fact, partly funded by the Madras Race Club and written correspondence to the Cricket Association at the time to organize racing days to raise funds for cricket!
MAMR Muttiah during a race | Photo Credit: Jothi Ramalingam B
Muttiah’s forays into horses began when he raced with his father, MAM Ramaswamy, one of the biggest names in Indian horse racing. “They have won nine Invitational Cups, of which I was present for four. I know how hard it is to win a race; This is something that only horse breeders will understand. Food matters, but pedigree and training are of the utmost importance. Many owners feel an adrenaline rush when your horse races.
With prominent horse patrons including Poonawalla and Mehra participating in the marquee event, the Invitation Cup (which came into existence in 1963) is a chance for Chennaiites to catch a glimpse of some of the best breed horses in the country.
“We want it to be a festival rather than just a racing weekend. We will be honoring people who do extraordinary things in the horse racing industry. This year, we will also include punters who get food coupons and free admission. To make sure they are also part of the festivities,” says Muttiah, who also explains how the pandemic has presented an opportunity to develop all the infrastructure and sports facilities at the club.
As soon as the horses and jockeys are ready, Guindy will come to life. Muttiah concluded, “The public has forgotten that a thriving racing culture existed in Madras; the Cup will bring that back.”
The Chettinad Indian Turf Invitation Cup will be held on March 5 and 6 at the Madras Race Club in Guindy. Tickets will be available at the venue.