New for racing !

bay colt by Multidimensional[USA] - Congrats 

Gainsville's new purchase - bay colt by Multidimensional[IRE] - Congrats by China Visit[USA] - Congratulations by Razeen[USA]. 

This colt goes into training with Adhirajsingh Jodha.

We said we were excited about this. And right we were.

Our mare Starynessey was sent to Oath on retirement. It was a mating planned by Gautam Lala. We, in our article on May 25, 2008 (http://gainsvillestud.blogspot.in/2008/05/starynessey-and-henrythenavigator.html) said how excited we were for the progeny of this mating to run.

DARE TO DREAM - by Oath - Starynessey(foal of 2011), last week won The Alcock Arabian Stakes Gr.3, being his 3rd win from as many starts. He annihilated his opposition to win by 8 1/2 lengths. This is a very promising start and a lot more will be heard of DARE TO DREAM who is sure to get a longer trip in future. Even at this early stage, he seems to be the best sired by Oath. 

Stewardship

Nominated "Steward of the Club" (RWITC) for 2013-2014. This will be the 9th term/year as a Steward.  

Racing Silks

We've changed our Racing Silks. It was time for a change, time to wean away from the Black. 

Our new racing silks - Gold, white maltese cross, red, gold & white arm bands, red cap.

Name Change

Ethics is now called GIANT LUCK.

The Epsom Derby & Gainsville's Mares - Part II

Gainsville's connection with international classic winners continues.

RULER OF THE WORLD - EPSOM DERBY 2013

Yet again, this year's Epsom Derby winner, the bred in purple RULER OF THE WORLD comes from the same family of the Gainsville mare CELEBRATIONS. This is ofcourse the fantastic family i.e. UVIRA II, family of A.P.INDY, MISSY BABA, LEMON DROP KID, DUKE OF MARMALADE, KANTHARA, etc.

CELEBRATIONS was bought out of training couple of years ago and is a half sister to the Graded winner KANTHARA. Sparingly raced, she is now at Ruia Stud and has a filly foal 2013 by CHEVALIER and is in foal this year to their new Dansili horse SURFRIDER.

Do checkout the Part I of this article posted on June 4, 2011.

2013 horses named.

The bay colt by Multidimensional[IRE] - Only Royale has been named STARISTOCRAT, and the bay colt by Chevalier[IRE] - Pas de l'argent[IRE] has been named GREEK GOD.

Royal Western India Turf Club Ltd.

Nominated as a Steward of the Club 2012-13. This will be my 8th term as a Steward of the RWITC.

New Yearlings Purchased

bay colt by Chevalier[IRE] - Pas de L'argent[IRE] by Pistolet Bleu. Bred at the Ruia Stud. To go into training with Dallas Todywalla.

bay colt by Multidimensional[IRE] - Only Royale by Razeen[USA] - Gourgandine[IRE] by Auction Ring. Bred at the Usha Stud. Will go into training with Imtiaz Sait.

Horses Named !

MORALS

MORALS

bay colt by Multidimensional[USA] - Magic Touch by Razeen[USA]. From the Pretty Polly family of PLEASURE HUNT.





ETHICS

ETHICS

bay colt by Lucifer Sam[USA] - Born Beautiful[USA] by Silver Deputy. From the family of STORM BIRD.






GRAN AMIGO

GRAN AMIGO

dark bay colt by Phoenix Tower[USA] - Bushfire by Senure[USA]. Dam sister to Sandslash - dam of PRONTO PRONTO. 

New 2yos for racing

1. bay colt by Usha Stud's new Danehill horse Multidimensional[USA] out of the Razeen[USA] mare Magic Touch. Magic Touch raced in Western India and won 7 races incl Byculla Club Trophy(twice) and placed 2nd in the C.N.Wadia Trophy, Idar Gold Cup, 3rd in the RWITC Ltd Invitational Trophy, Eve Champion Trophy, Fillies and Mares Stakes, 4th in the Eclipse Stakes of India and Maharaja Jiwajirao Scindia Trophy earning Rs.22,79,437. She is a full sister to Washingtom Irvine (C.N.Wadia Gold Cup) and her dam is half sister to the Indian Oaks winner Pleasure Hunt. This colt is in training with Imtiaz Sait.

2. bay colt by Sains Craintes Stud's new Storm Cat half brother to Admiralofthefleet, Lucifer Sam[USA] out of Born Beautiful[USA] who's dam is a three parts sister to Storm Bird. This colt in inbred 4x3 to South Ocean, 3x4 to Mr.Prospector and 4x4 to Northern Dancer. He is in training with Hosi Daji.

3. dark bay colt by Manjri Stud's new stallion Phoenix Tower[USA] out of Bushfire who is a Senure[USA] half sister to Sandslash the dam of Pronto Pronto. This colt is in partnership with Dilip Goculdas and is in training with Adhirajsingh Jodha.

Greatness wins the Christmas Cup in Mumbai

Greatness, seen here being led in after winning the Christmas Cup on Christmas Day at Mahalaxmi, Mumbai - Ridden by P.Trevor.


Later sold to Pratap Stud Farm.

Epsom Derby, The Oaks and Gainsville's fillies.

POUR MOI won the Derby at Epsom earlier today in scintillating style, coming from way off the pace to pip Treasure Beach few strides from home. A horse who was last at Tattenham Corner, to come flying the way he did to win, speaks volumes for this son of Montjeu. His 2nd dam is a three parts sister to the 2nd dam of Gainsville's ex filly Bliss-Leavitt. Bliss-Leavitt ran a  few times and now is at Jai Govind Stud. Their 4th dams are Royal Statute. This is the family of Bosra Sham, Hector Protector, etc.


Yesterday's Oaks winner DANCING RAIN is by Danehill Dancer out of a mare going back to Canalette through Torbella, Torbella being the 4th dam. This is the same family as Dr. Devious, Brave Hunter, Barood, etc of Gainsville's 3yo winning filly GREATNESS.


Couple of years back, on this very blog I had written about how well Galileo and Montjeu would do at stud. They had recently been retired to stud and their offspring had just started racing. This year, the 2000 Guineas, Irish 1000 Guineas both have been won by Galileos. The Derby was won by a son of Montjeu and in second spot was a son of Galileo. Theres no looking back for these two young sires.


Gautam Lala

FRANKEL annihilates his rivals in the 2000 Guineas

FRANKEL won the 2000 Guineas by 6 lengths going start to finish. He led from the start by about 5 lengths and then increased that lead by over 10 lengths half way through the race and went to the post 6 lengths clear of his struggling 12 rivals. It was a very impressive victory indeed and he justified his short price. 


Now one waits to see if this son of Galileo will stay the trip in June or not. His pedigree shows enough stamina but his manner of running definitely puts a big question mark of doing it over 12 furlongs. He most likely will run the Dante which will show whats in store for him later on.


As for the Guineas, there is no doubt that we have seen yet another champion. An all time great.


Gautam Lala

The Volkswagen Vento Contest and The Shaman Million

I am sure the Members and Racegoers would have enjoyed the Volkswagen Vento Horses-to-Horsepower contest sponsored by The Shaman Group.


The owners of the Shaman Group who are friends of mine showed interest in doing something at the racecourse. A series of meetings followed starting from September in Pune 2010 after which we came up with what everyone experienced and saw on the 27th March and 3rd April.


The Horses-to-Horsepower contest saw a Volkswagen Vento being awarded to the winner on the 27th of March and the following week was the first running of The Shaman Million with a display of all their models, etc.

GREATNESS in great style !

 

Being led in by Gautam Lala(left)



Gainsville Stud's 3yo filly GREATNESS by Emerald Cat[USA] - Jungle Girl by Tecorno[USA] won as an 30/100 odds on favorite after some anxious moments at the start. She was to hit the front or sit second, but missed the kick and trailed the field till the bend. Thereafter suberbly partnered by S. A. Desousa, who brought her from the shortest run from the inside, then switched to the outside and went on for an easy victory. This was her 3rd career start. She had finished 2nd in both her earlier starts last December to Snow Blaze and Martinique.

 

GREATNESS was ridden by S.A.Desousa and is trained by Narendra Lagad. She is bred at the Pratap Stud Farm.

Privilege Of Seeing Superstars

We the racing fraternity have been extremely lucky and privileged to witness some racing superstars in the last 2 years. Others have had to wait decades after the likes of Secretariat and Nijinsky II.

SEA THE STARS

It started in the US last year with Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra. Then in Europe we saw what is probably the best turf horse of all times, namely Sea The Stars. Harbinger is another who merits mention after his King George victory.


Around the same time in India we saw the fabulous all conquering Jacqueline do what no one had done before.

FRANKEL

And finally towards the end of 2010 we've seen another superstar who promises to be better than the best. He's called Frankel.


Let's wait and see what 2011 has in store for us.


Gautam Lala.

Fantastic - FRANKEL Winning The Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes 2010

Stallion Register 2010

The new Stallion Register 2010 has been launched recently. I have personally put in a lot of thought, time and effort into turning an otherwise boring statutory publication into a world class coffee table book. It now comes in glossy A4 size and features all Stallions at stud in India with their extended pedigree, performance, sire reference, dam reference, progeny details, etc. The book also carries an Index to Sires and Maternal Grandsires, various statistics, lists of all breeding establishments in India with their contact details and much more. The book for the first time features photographs of most of the stallions in India. This is truly a collector's piece.

Well done to Satish Iyer (Registrar) and the Stud Book Department for executing this task brilliantly. A copy can be bought from them. 


Special thanks to all the advertisers - British Bloodstock Marketing, Dashmesh Group of Farms, Equus Group of Farms, Helpro Health Products & Services, Hugo Merry Bloodstock, Indiahorsesale.com, Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, Nanoli Stud, Racing World, Radiant Bloodstock, Ruia Stud, Tattersalls, Lucky Spinner and Turf Printing Works (Cole).

Happy New Year

Here's Wishing Everyone A Wonderful 2011 !

Thanks 2010

Dear Member,

I write this letter to thank you for your support, which got me re-elected to the Managing Committee of The Royal Western India Turf Club Ltd. on 18^th December 2010.

My earlier letter dated 25^th November 2010 highlighted some of the work done by me during the last year. However, the voting figures on the 18^th showed that I have lost some of your support since my last election and I am very disheartened with this year’s result. Clearly I must have disappointed you during the year, although I did put in my heart and soul into working for the Club.

I would appreciate it if you would give me some feedback as to what you would like me to do for the Club in the year ahead so as to win back your confidence and support. I am always available to you on my office numbers between 3pm-6pm on non race days, or you can email me and I will definitely get in touch with you.

Sincerely yours,

Gautam Lala

Election Result:

Vivek Jain 662

Jaydev Mody 569

Champaklal Zaveri 555

Shyam Ruia 537

Geoffrey Nagpal 521

S.C.Jain 496

Shivlal Daga 438

Ram Shroff 424

Gautam Lala 377

Candidature for RWITC Elections 2010

Dear Member,

This past year has gone by so quickly and we once again come to the Royal Western India Turf Club Ltd. AGM and the Elections to be held in the Members’ Enclosure at 4:00pm on Saturday, 18th December 2010.

Last year with your valuable support I was elected to the Managing Committee. This past year has been a great experience. A lot is yet to be done – as Lao Tzu has rightly said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

Personally I have chaired the Cups & Trophies’ working group and continued to serve on the Equine Hospital working group and the Stud Book working group. New reputed suppliers of Trophies have been introduced with new designs and great quality. They ofcourse continue to come with value certification – a procedure introduced by me years ago. The Equine Hospital in Mumbai is undergoing an upgradation in consultation with experts from abroad. This will be completed soon. The Working Group has scheduled to bring in Veterinarians from abroad to train our Veterinarians here in various fields once this upgradation is completed. Horse owners/trainers will now have better medical facilities for their horses which they so rightly deserve. In the Stud Book, apart from the Stud Book website development (www.indianstudbook.com) and routine matters, I have been actively involved in the statutory publication of the Stallion Register which now can be compared to the best in the world. I am sure you will enjoy owning a copy of it. I have thoroughly enjoyed being on these working groups and have served them to the best of my ability.

Furthermore, I have been a Steward this past year, being my sixth year as one. Uninfluenced by personal relationships, I have been fair and unbiased in my decisions in my humble attempt to keep racing fair and clean.

I would like to continue to serve on the Managing Committee of our Club and am offering myself for re-election this year, for which, I earnestly seek your support and will be most grateful for that privilege.

With warm regards,

Sincerely yours,

Gautam Lala

Thanks - 2009

Dear Member,

The Royal Western India Turf Club Ltd.'s Elections are now behind us and I write this letter to thank you for your support, which got me elected to the Managing Committee.

Words cannot express my gratitude, and I look forward to the year ahead in the hope that I can make a significant contribution to the betterment of our club and the sport.

Your suggestions are always welcome and would be appreciated. I am always available to you on my office numbers between 3pm-6pm on non race days, should you have any queries or want to contact me to share your views.

I take this opportunity to once again wish you and your family a wonderful 2010.

Sincerely yours,

Gautam Lala.

Election Result:

Vivek Jain 887

Jaydev Mody 791

Champaklal Zaveri 715

Shyam Ruia 713

S.C.Jain 642

Ram Shroff 582

Gautam Lala 570

Shivlal Daga 552

Mohan Thakur 548

Candidature for RWITC Elections 2009.

Dear Member,

Another year has gone by and we once again come to the Royal Western India Turf Club Ltd.’s Elections and the AGM to be held in the Members’ Enclosure at 4:00pm on Thursday, 17th December 2009.

Following my “letter of introduction” dated 27th August 2009, copy of which is enclosed herewith, I write to you this time requesting you for your valuable support and a vote in my favour for the seat on the Managing Committee of the RWITC Ltd. I hope you have been able to spare the time to peruse my earlier letter and consider my candidature.

If elected, I will always remain accessible to all members and racegoers, and will sincerely strive to look after the interests of the members, owners and racegoers who are the very backbone of the sport that we all love so much. I would love to dedicate myself, and pledge my time and effort to the improvement of the game and to propagate the sport in its proper light to bring back the crowds to enjoy the afternoon and give racing the importance and dignity it deserves.

Having been involved with all facets of the sport for over 2 decades along with my past experience of serving on the Managing Committee from 2002-2004 and as a Steward from 1999-2005, I sincerely feel that at 39, with the advantage of age on my side, I can contribute effectively to the working of our club and work towards keeping racing fair and clean.

I earnestly seek your support and will be most grateful for that privilege.

Sincerely yours,

Gautam Lala

Introduction To My Candidature

Dear Club Member,

I write to you today to inform you of my candidature for the RWITC Managing Committee elections to be held in December 2009. The purpose of writing to you this early is to introduce myself, especially for the benefit of our new members who were not there during my earlier term as a Committee Member from 2002-2004. This early correspondence would hopefully give us a chance to get to know each other better before December and moreover, give you enough time to get to know your Candidate.

My introduction to racing turned to a passion while sitting on the children's bench in the Mahalaxmi Race Course car park at a very early age and I have been an avid racegoer and owner as soon as I was of an eligible age in 1988, and continue to own a small string of horses and breed privately/non-commercially in a small way in the name of my racing company Gainsville Stud & Agr. Farm Pvt. Ltd. (www.gainsvillestud.com). My family's association with the sport goes back decades and my parents Laxmi & Partab Lala have had the good fortune to co-own classic winners like Our Select (Indian Derby 1968), Bright Hanovar (Indian Derby 1971) and Bakhtawar (with the late Mr. M.D.Mehta) which set the standards of achievement and moderate success more recently with Minsky, Classic Talk, Starynsky and Star O'War has helped appreciate clean and fair racing.

It was 10 years ago, in 1999 that I was nominated as a "Steward of the Meeting" and served in that position for 2 years, after which, with the overwhelming support of the members, I was elected to the RWITC Managing Committee in 2002 and served in that post for two years, before taking a break. During that period I was also a "Steward of the Club" for 3 years where I have always been fair and unbiased in my decisions in my humble attempt to keep racing fair and clean. Further, I have served and continue to serve on various sub-committees like the Cups & Trophies, Equine Hospital, Studbook, etc. and for the last two years, I have served on the Managing Committee of the Western India Race Horse Owners' Association where along with other members, I believe, we have done a lot for the benefit of racehorse owners. Having been involved with all facets of the sport, I sincerely feel I am in a position to contribute more generously given the responsibility as a member of the Committee once again.

On a personal level, my MBA degree in Marketing has helped me run my packaging business. I hope that in the near future we can connect and share views on our Club and the sport that we all love so much. Thank you for your time and looking forward to talking with you soon.

Sincerely yours,

Gautam Lala