There are few more famous pastimes across the world than horse racing, with the legendary equine sport dating back generations.

Each nation has a different history with the sport, with the U.S. calendar shaped around the Kentucky Derby, which is one of the most popular betting events of the year at TwinSpires. However, few nations can boast a deeper history of racing than India, with the sport dating back over 200 years.

But, how did the sport look back then, and what does modern racing in the country look like now?

Early History

The first traces of horse racing in India can be found in 1777, when the first turf club was established. The Madras Race Club in Chennai opened its doors for the first time in 1777, with the club officially formed in 1837.

Racing at the venue was common between October and March, and it is officially recognised as the oldest horse racing club in South Asia.

Following a prolonged period of success at the venue, further racecourses were established across the nations before the 1950s, with Delhi Race Club and the Royal Calcutta Turf Club opened.

How is Racing in India Different to Other Nations?

The scenic and stamina-sapping courses across India ensure that racing in the nation is unlike anything that can be experienced elsewhere. One of the most gruelling courses can be found in Mysuru with the Mysore Race Club seeing equines compete over hills, which make it one of the most unique racecourses in the world.

Also, unlike other nations, only horses bred in the country are able to compete in India. This restricts international runners from targeting big purses on the Indian schedule, but also cuts off Indian racing from the rest of the world.

But, it does allow the Indian Stud Book to maintain records of all equine activity effortlessly. However, stallions can be imported from around the world to breed and produce new lines.

What Are The Biggest Races in India?

Just as is the case across the world, India also has Classic races for horses aged three. The nation follows the British blueprint, with five Classics staged throughout the year. These begin with the Indian 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas for the fillies and colts, respectively.

The Indian Oaks is run at the end of January, while the Indian Derby is the most prestigious race on the calendar and is staged at the start of February. This race is one of the most lucrative on the Indian calendar, with a purse of ₹ 30,000,000 being up for grabs.

The final Classic of the season is the Indian St. Leger, which is run at Pune Racecourse in September. Therefore, the final Classic of the season is the only race in the series that is run away from Mahalaxmi Racecourse in Mumbai.

Aside from the races specifically for horses aged three, there is an Invitation Weekend, which sees Group 1 races over a variety of distances where runners from across the nation are invited to compete annually in early March. Another prestigious race is the Bangalore Derby, which is held on the second Sunday in July.

Legendary Horses

With a rich history, it is unsurprising that there have been horses throughout time that have transcended horse racing in India. Elusive Pimpernel is widely considered to be one of the greatest thoroughbreds ever produced in India, winning 22 of his 23 career starts.

However, it is potentially the Indian-bred runners that have made their mark on international races that have showcased the sport in the best light overseas. Mystical became one of the first Indian horses to stamp his authority against the world’s best, landing two races during the Dubai Racing Carnival.

Saddle Up would land success in the Tunku Gold Cup and the Singapore International Cup. A notable winner to have achieved success in England is Southern Regent, who won on two occasions in Britain despite being regressing as a nine-year-old.

Future of Horse Racing in India

Horse racing continues to have a bright future in India, with the biggest races in the diary typically seeing sell-out crowds in attendance. However, the sport could gradually fall behind other nations due to the strict quarantine restrictions imposed by the Indian government on equines that travel to compete in major races across the world.

A relaxing of these rules could allow Indian-bred runners to showcase their ability at major meetings such as the Dubai World Cup Night and the Breeders’ Cup, which could raise interest levels further in the sport among the mainstream audience.

One of the shining lights for the sport is Indian-born trainer Bhupat Seemar, who is now based in the Middle East. The trainer has won major races during the Carvinal, including the 2024 Dubai World Cup with Laurel River.