PUNE RACING SEASON 2026 POISED FOR A THRILLING MONSOON CAMPAIGN
The stage is set for another exciting chapter in western India’s racing calendar as the Pune Racing Season 2026 gets underway on 17th July 2026. Spread across 21 race days and concluding on 15th November 2026, the prestigious monsoon season promises four months of high-quality racing, rich prize money and compelling competition in the finest traditions of the Sport of Kings.
With total stakes in excess of ₹14 crore, in addition to Cups and Trophies worth over ₹40 lakh, the forthcoming season is expected to provide a fitting platform for some of the country’s finest equine talent to showcase their class. Backed by a strong and competitive pool of horses, accomplished professionals in the saddle, and a race programme studded with elite feature events, the Pune season has all the ingredients of a memorable campaign.
A formidable strength of over 600 thoroughbreds, trained by more than 30 ‘A’ Licensed Trainers, underlines the depth and quality of this year’s racing population. The battle for the trainers’ championship is expected to be fiercely contested, with reigning champion Pesi Shroff once again commanding a powerful yard. Emerging forces such as Adhiraj Singh Jodha and P. S. Chouhan also boast quality strings capable of making a serious impact in the major races, while seasoned professionals like Imtiaz A. Sait, Mallesh Narredu, Faisal Abbas and several others add further depth and intrigue to the title race.
The jockeys’ championship too promises to be a fascinating contest. Leading riders A. Sandesh, Trevor Patel, G. Vivek, Akshay Kumar, Neeraj Rawal, and the occasionally seen Suraj Narredu, along with a host of other accomplished horsemen, are expected to light up the season with their skill, judgement and tactical brilliance in the saddle.
The Pune racecourse itself appears set to play a fitting host to the season. With the southwest monsoon arriving in time, the course has gradually transformed into a lush green expanse, while the racing surface has been carefully and meticulously prepared to provide ideal footing for the thoroughbreds. All indications suggest that conditions will be conducive to fair, safe and competitive racing throughout the season.
The 2026 calendar is highlighted by a fine line-up of prestigious Graded races, classic contests and feature events that are certain to capture the imagination of racing enthusiasts.
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
- 2nd August 2026 – The Eve Champion Trophy (Grade 3)
- 8th August 2026 – The Yohan Z. Poonawalla Turf Club Trophy (Grade 3)
- 15th August 2026 – The Teena Katrak Memorial Independence Million
- 16th August 2026 – The F. D. Wadia Trophy (Grade 3)
- 29th August 2026 – The Noshir & Dolly Dhunjibhoy Sprint Million (Grade 3) and The Idar Gold Trophy
- 13th September 2026 – The S. A. Poonawalla Million (Grade 3)
- 20th September 2026 – The Indian St. Leger (Grade 1)
- 27th September 2026 – The Akkasaheb Maharaj Trophy
- 2nd October 2026 – The Threptin Fillies’ & Mares’ Stakes (Grade 3)
- 11th October 2026 – The Villoo C. Poonawalla Pune Derby (Grade 1)
- 15th November 2026 – The Burgundy Mantra Luxury Line RWITC Ltd. Trophy (Grade 2)
With a rich blend of established stars, emerging talent and a programme filled with marquee events, the Pune Racing Season 2026 promises to deliver racing of the highest order and several memorable moments over the next four months.
Original Vel Sporting News extends its best wishes to the racing fraternity, horsemen and patrons for a successful, competitive and memorable Pune Racing Season 2026.
