RACING CARNIVAL 2026 SCHEDULING CONCERNS AND THE DILUTION OF A PREMIER RACING SHOWCASE
RACING CARNIVAL 2026 SCHEDULING CONCERNS AND THE DILUTION OF A PREMIER RACING SHOWCASE By Mahindar Singh Rathore (Turf Tracker) The Indian Racing Carnival scheduled for Sunday, 15 th March 2026 at Mahalaxmi Racecourse is intended to represent one of the most prestigious afternoons in the Indian racing calendar. Backed by the Poonawalla interests and featuring the elite Fillies’ and Colts’ races sponsored by the Shapoorji Mistry banner, the Carnival has historically been positioned as a celebration of the highest standards of Indian thoroughbred sport. Yet, the present year’s planning raises fundamental concerns about strategic race programming and its consequences on field strength, sporting quality, and public engagement. A double-header race weekend has been scheduled on 7th and 8th March 2026 — merely a week prior to the Carnival. From a racing perspective, this decision is difficult to justify. Horses competing during a demanding two-day meeting ar...