In the aftermath of the equine influenza having taken all the headlines and action on the track relegated to the background, one important development which has gone unnoticed is the stake money that is offered for the ongoing Madras Racing Season. The stake money for classics and some terms and handicap races is mind-boggling. The stake money is simply unbelievable and is the highest in the history of racing in India. It is many times over that offered by the other turf authorities in India. If you have any second thoughts about entering your horses for these plums, you are too late. Entries for classics and these terms races are already closed. In short, these races continue to be the preserve of the big man. May be the trainers can think of entering their wards next year onwards because the stake money is simply irresistible.

The added money for the South India Derby is a staggering Rs 90 lakhs. For the St Leger and the Oaks, it is Rs 60 lakhs. The 1000 Guineas and the 2000 Guineas will see added money to the tune of Rs 40 lakhs. Stake money in excess of Rs 10 crores is on offer during the season and the five classics gives stake money close to Rs 3 crore. The stake money is something that other turf clubs may not be able to match in the near future.

What is more, two Class I handicap races also has huge money on offer. The Guindy Gold Cup will offer stake money of Rs 20 lakh and the M A Chidambaram Gold Cup will give out Rs 17 lakhs stake money. Of course, these are restricted races and only local horses can take part in these races.

Apart from these races, there are races for first season runners which also offer mouth-watering stakes. The Capricorn Stud Farm Christmas Cup has stake money of Rs 20 lakhs on offer while the Madras Gold Vase gives out Rs 10 lakhs. The S Rangarajan Memorial Cup has guaranteed stake money of Rs 17.5 lakhs.

The classics at Chennai used to be keenly contested affairs and outstation horses always heightened the competitive fervor of these races. In fact, the Derby which is held on the auspicious day of Pongal, was a grand affair and an old timer recalls that a special train used to run from Bangalore to facilitate race goers to the premier event. I remember traveling to one of the Derbys by Lalbagh Express, standing right through the journey. Such was the crowd on that day in all trains heading to Chennai. Dr Vijay Mallya owned Maximillion won that Derby and thereafter, these events were devoid of competitive interest as outstation horses were not entered due to what was perceived as hostile environment.

One hopes that these big events are not overlooked by big trainers at least next year onwards so that racing at this centre regains its old charm. Hurdles are meant to be cleared.