Horse racing enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to as the Pune Racing Season 2025 is all set to begin on 18th July at the scenic Pune Racecourse, following a three-month break since the Mumbai season ended in April.
This upcoming season is expected to bring back the excitement and charm of racing in Pune, one of India’s most beautiful and historic racing venues. The season will run until 2nd November 2025, with a total of 20 race days spread across four months.
A substantial amount of ₹12 crore has been allocated as prize money, which will be distributed across various races throughout the season. This makes it an important season for owners, trainers, jockeys, and breeders alike.
As many as 726 horses are already stationed at the Pune stables, including a promising bunch of 274 two-year-olds. These juveniles will be making their racing debuts and are sure to attract attention from racing fans and punters looking for future stars.
The season has attracted participation from 31 top professional trainers (known as A-licence holders). Some of the most well-known names include:
P. Shroff – known for his consistent success at the highest level,
Adhiraj Singh Jodha, Malesh Narredu, Dallas Todywalla, Imtiaz A. Sait, Narendra Lagad, Karthik Ganapathy, and Bezan Chenoy, among others.
In addition to local stables, several outstation trainers such as Prasanna Kumar from Bangalore are expected to send horses to compete in Pune. There will be no restrictions on outstation horses taking part, except in the lower class (Class V and IV) races.
The riding ranks will also be strong. Top Indian jockeys including:
A. Sandesh
Trevor Patel
Suraj Narredu
C.S. Jodha
Neeraj Rawal
G. Vivek, among others,
are expected to be seen regularly at Pune, wearing the famous silks of Western India’s top owners and stables.
Thanks to generous monsoon showers, the Pune track is in excellent shape. The turf is lush green and well-prepared, ready to handle the competitive action across the coming four months. Trackwork is already in full swing and the training pattern suggests many top-quality horses are in peak condition.
A racing season of this scale is made possible by the contributions of generous sponsors. This year’s sponsors include:
The Poonawalla Group
Raptakos Brett & Co
Mr. K.N. Dhunjibhoy & Family
Supreme
Mr. Cyrus S. Poonawalla
S.R.S. Group
Yerawada Stud & Agricultural Farm
Mr. C.D. Katrak
Rotary District 3131
Panchshil
Aakriti Art Gallery
Their continued support helps fund the stakes races and ensures the sport maintains its elite standing in India.
The Pune Cartel, in collaboration with RWITC, will organize carnival-style events at the Members’ Enclosure on selected weekends. These events will add a festive atmosphere, blending sport and lifestyle, and are expected to draw large crowds of racing fans, families, and first-time visitors.
Here are the scheduled race days:
July: 18, 25
August: 2, 3, 10, 15, 16, 24, 31
September: 7, 13, 14, 21, 27
October: 5, 11, 12, 19, 24
November: 2
Racing is mostly scheduled on weekends and public holidays, allowing maximum participation and attendance.
Several prestigious races are lined up. Here are some of the key events and their dates:
August 3 – Eve Champion Trophy
August 10 – Yohan Poonawalla Turf Club Trophy
August 15 – Teena Katrak Memorial Independence Million
August 16 – F.D. Wadia Trophy
September 13 – Supreme Pune City Gold Cup
September 14 – S.A. Poonawalla Million & Villoo C. Poonawalla Million
September 21 – Indian St. Leger & Mayor Baburao Sanas Memorial Million
October 5 – Threptin Fillies & Mares Stakes
October 12 – Pune Derby & Noshir & Dolly Dhunjibhoy Sprint Million
November 2 – RWITC Ltd. Gold Cup & General Rajendrasinhji Million
These races are expected to feature the very best talent and will act as key indicators for the autumn and winter seasons to follow.
The Pune Racing Season 2025 promises high-quality racing, festive experiences, and a vibrant racing atmosphere. With a full roster of horses, top trainers, ace jockeys, generous stakes, and well-planned social events, it will be a season to remember.
Whether you're a racing enthusiast, a punter, or a newcomer, Pune promises to deliver excitement every step of the way.
