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| Start of the "INDIAN DERBY" |
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| " BOOKMAKERS BETTING RING" in 1st Enclosure |
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| "Paddock Parade" before start of race. |
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| Fast horses and fast cars :-"'FORMULA -1 Race Car". |
. The track is oval shaped with a 2400 m straight chute, spread over open land in the heart of Mumbai city. It was created out of a marshy land known as Mahalakshmi Flats, over a hundred years ago.
The horse racing season starts in mid November and ends in the last week of April. The "Indian Derby" is the premier racing event of the
"Mumbai Horse-Racing Calendar" and held annually on the first Sunday in the month of February.A derby is a type of horse race, named after the Epsom Derby, still run at Epsom racecourse in England. It was in turn named for Edward Smith-Stanley, 12th Earl of Derby, who inaugurated the race in 1780.
The Indian derby, later called the "McDowell Indian Derby" has been sponsored by the "United Breweries Ltd " since 1984.. It is one of the premier sporting activities in the city having the highest cash prize for any single sporting event in India.. It was first run in the year 1943. This inaugural running of the Derby was won by a wonder filly Princess Beautiful.
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| A Aerial "Drone Photograph" of the scenic "MAHALAXMI RACECOURSE". |
"McDowell Indian Derby" was sponsored for decades by liquor baron Dr Vijay.Mallya. Mr Vijay.Mallya is the son of industrialist late Mr Vittal Mallya, and was the Chairman of the United Breweries Group and Kingfisher Airlines until his fall from grace as a Industrialist. Under Mr Vijay.Mallya's sponsorship the "Indian Derby" attained its zenith in the modern era as he took a personal interest in the sport and hope it revives its former glamour glory again in his absence and under new sponsors "Kingfisher Ultra" of the same "United Breweries Group" . The Mahalaxmi Racecourse is a replica of the Melbourne Racecourse in design . The Royal Western India Turf Club is a elite club in Mumbai, which conducts "Horse-racing" in Western India(Pune and Mumbai). It was formed in 1880, on reclaimed marshy land at Mahalaxmi. The club runs the Mahalaxmi Racecourse which was was shifted from Byculla to the present location in Mahalaxmi in 1883.
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| "Formula-1 Car" in Members Enclosure on "McDowell Signature Premier Indian Derby-2013" Day. Sunday(3-2-2013) |
The common Mumbaikar has access to the racecourse in the mornings and evenings during specified timings for exercising, walking or jogging in the inner lane of the main horse race track. Yoga sessions akin to Tai-chi are conducted in the garden situated within the race-track during the common permissible timings, akin to "Happy Valley racecourse" in Hongkong. Hence, as often projected, the Mahalaxmi racecourse is not a totally elitist gambling sports venue but also one of the rare public accessible natural forested environments in polluted and congested Mumbai. During the monsoon season, the centre of the racecourse consisting of the "Polo Ground" and its adjoining area is transformed into a "Bird Watchers" paradise as it is totally inaccessible by humans and gets overgrown with grass, hence attracting numerous aquatic birds.
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| Roll of Honour :- Chairmen of the "R.W.I.T.C" since 1913. |
Overview
Mahalaxmi Racecourse also features a restaurant, "Gallops", which is populated by the well-to-do couples or families during the day and night. The interior is decorated with a rustic charm, reminiscent of the British imperialism palaces with light fixtures and dainty carriages with curtains lining the wall resembling a stable."Gallops" also has recently renovated its charming outdoor restaurant which has one of the most scenic views of the "Turf" and famous for its "Morning Breakfast" for joggers and walkers, Its famous "Tea Glass" costing just Rs10 in the 1990's . This "Outdoor Restaurant" has now been closed to commoners and restricted to "R.W.I.T.C Members" since a transfer of management in 2009.In 2015 "Gallops" restaurant was forced to close down its business by the municipality until further notice. A new "Sea-Lounge" restaurant has been added on the "Second Floor" of the "First Enclosure Grandstand", once my favourite viewing spot for the races. In other words, "Mahalaxmi race-course" has undergone a sea-change since 2007 with some of Mumbai's fanciest and costliest restaurants situated within its precincts, a total "Countryside atmosphere" in the heart of Mumbai's concrete jungle.
Sadly, in recent years there has been a steady decline in revenue from "Horse-racing" by the R.W.I.T.C and the same is compensated by leasing the grounds for palatial weddings or parties for a capacity of 1500 to 2000 people on "Off-course betting days" or after normal racing hours on "Live Racing days". About 1500 to 1700 horses can be stabled on the "Mahalaxmi Racecourse grounds" during the racing season from November to April and the pleasure of early morning walks or jogs along with the thud of training horses is a beautiful and health nourishing exercise and experience. The "Third Class enclosure(Cheapest entrance tickets)" has been abandoned and defunct for decades due to lack of race-goers and in total ruins, an eyesore on the beautiful Mahalaxmi racecourse complex . Mr K.M Munshi, Finance Minister of Bombay Province introduced the "CLASSIC RACES" in 1942 - 43 , modeled on the "CLASSIC ENGLISH RACES" of England. The Indian classics are A)The Indian 1000 Guineas B)The Indian 2000 Guineas C)The Indian Oaks and the most celebrated of all, D) The Indian Derby. The "DERBY" got its name from the 12th Earl of Derby who won the "Trademark name" by toss of a coin with Sir Charles Bunbury in 1779 in England, hence destiny or luck made "Lord Derby" immortal in having the family title as a "World Brand" and a dictionary term to define excellence and class. The final Indian Classic is E) The Indian St Leger. The "Who's Who", the "Infamous", as well as "Wannabes" aspiring to the "Who's Who" of Mumbai and Indian society have to be seen at the "Indian Derby" for a "Fashion" as well as "Power" statement. People who loathe "Horse-racing" for its "gambling" connection would be liked to be seen on "Indian Derby Day" which explains the undecipherable fascination for this one particular day in the Indian social and sporting calendar.
History
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| "Derby Horses" entering the "Starting Gates" for start of "Indian Derby-2013". |
Listed are some facts of the "INDIAN DERBY" A annual traditional horse racing pilgrimage undertaken by racing fans and tourists to witness at the "Mahalaxmi Racecourse" in Mumbai. The "INDIAN DERBY" is the richest horse race in India always setting new milestones in offering "Prize-Money" among the "CLASSIC RACES", Rs 35,000 was the "Prize-Money" for the first Derby in 1943. In 2016 the "Prize Money" was Rs 2,17,62,000 for the winner !
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| LIST OF HONOURS OF INDIAN DERBY WINNERS SINCE 1943 TO 2013 |
HISTORICAL FACTS OF THE INDIAN DERBY :- 1)The Indian Derby is traditionally run on the first Sunday of February every year and the distance run is 2400 metres. 2)The First Indian Derby was run in 1943 on Saturday January 30. 3)The latest Indian Derby run any time was in 1973 on Sunday March 18, although this date was eclipsed in 2009 due to the postponement of the start of the racing season due to equine influenza (see below). 4)The "INDIAN DERBY" has been named "The McDOWELL INDIAN DERBY" since 1985 after its sponsor "McDowell Breweries Ltd" 5)The 1966 Indian Derby was run on a Monday while the first seven running's and two others were run on Saturdays. 6)The largest field was 22 horses in 1948 followed by 20 horses in 2016 and 19 horses in 1949 and 1962. 7)The smallest field was 5 in 1977 followed by 6 each in 1979 and 1982. 8)The greatest margin of victory was 10 lengths in 1978 won by Manitou followed by 8 lengths in 1979 by Royal Tern. 9)The Slowest running was in 1952 by Martial Law(2 Mins 50 Secs) followed in 1954 by Commoner(2 Mins 49 Secs) 10)The shortest priced winners were Royal Tern(1978) with "No BETS OFFERED" , Squanderer((1977) @ 30/100 ODDS & Alijah(1961) 11)The most successful winning streak of "FAVOURITE HORSES" has been from 1993 to 1998. 12) "Pyare Miya" has the unique distinction of winning the only race in his career in 1975, "The Indian Derby", a mind boggling fluke.13)The only Indian Derby winner horse to be ever disqualified was the Vijay .Mallya owned gelding "Saddle Up" who tested positive in 1999."Saddle Up" later raced in Singapore and became "Horse of the Year" in Singapore.His owner, liquor baron Mr Vijay.Mallya named a drink after him called "Saddle Up", the same very popular on Indian Derby race day.14) The fastest "Indian Derby " record was set in 2014 by the total "Outsider @ 12/1 Odds" Alaindair which stopped the clock at 2:28:05.In this same race the second and third horse "Starry Eyes" and "Circle of Life" also broke the previous record of 2:28:54 Mins set in 2010 by the wonder filly "Jacqueline". Akin to Olympic human track records it seems that the fastest Indian Derby timings are also getting reduced over the decades and years 15) "BE SAFE" won the coveted "McDowell Signature Indian Derby-2015" in a record time of 2.27.71 Secs. 16) "Desert God" ridden by jockey David.Allan , trained by Mr S.Padmanabhan and owned by Mrs Sharmila.Padmanabhan,Mr S.Padmanabhan and Col Swapan .Bhadrawon won the "Kingfisher Ultra Million Indian Derby-2016" at odds of 10/1 .This was the first instance where a Derby winner was owned and trained by the same person which was Mr S.Padmanabhan. 17) " Dr M.A.M Ramaswamy has won the maximum Indian derby's as on Sunday(1-2-2015) which is 7 winners. 18) Rashid.R.Byramji is the most successful trainer with 11 winners. 19) Pessi.Shroff has ridden 8 winners which is the most by any jockey followed by Jockey's Khade , Jagdish and Suraj.Narredu with 4 winners each and Aslam.Kader and Mick.Kinane with 3 winners each. 20) Jockey Pandu.Khade who first rode in the 1945 Indian Derby holds the distinction of having the longest longevity of :"Indian Derby" riders having ridden in a total of 27 Indian Derby's till his retirement. 21) "Usha Stud Farm" has bred 14 Indian Derby winners which is the maximum for a Stud farm.22) Maximum winners produced by a Stallion are 5 by "Grey Gaston" and 4 by "Razeen".23) Digital On-line betting was first introduced in 2020 during the "Covid-19" pandemic and the "Kingfisher Ultra Million Indian Derby -2021" was run to a empty stadium with betting through "On-line Betting" sites.A betting innovation resulting out of a once in a century pandamic that devastated the Globe let alone India.
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| A View of the "Indian Derby" from "Members Enclosure" on the Third Floor.Vintage Mumbai(Bombay) at its best. |
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| "Kingfisher Ultra Million Indian Derby-2016" :- .Mr Vijay.Mallya,Mr Cyrus.Poonawalla and Mr Vivek Jain seated in a Royal Horse-carriage on way to the race-track for the .presentation ceremony. |
On Thursday the 3rd of June 2008, the "MAHALAXMI JINX" originated with the entire second floor of the "MEMBERS STAND" getting gutted in a "Short Circuit" fire totally unexplained at one of the world's plushest clubs. In 2009, due to the horse virus epidemic, the racing season had been postponed to January 31 and hence the "McDowell Indian Derby" delayed further to Sunday 12th April, the first such instance since March 1973.
The "Bombay Municipal Corporation Lease" of the "R.W.I.T.C" that conducts "Mumbai Racing" expires in 2013 and the media is rife with politicians suggesting closure of the "MAHALAXMI RACECOURSE" and converting it into a "AQUARIUM CUM ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX", akin to "Petronas Twin Towers(Kuala Lumpur)". Horse racing in Mumbai was initially conducted at the "Byculla club grounds" in Byculla and the first journalistic account of a horse race in Mumbai was reported to have taken place in 1785. The "Royal Western India Turf Club(R.W.I.T.C)" which framed the rules and conducted professional horse-racing in Mumbai was founded by Sir Charles Forbes, G.Hall, A.Campbell and P.Haddow in 1880. In 1883 Indian Philanthropist and Industrialist Sir Cusrow N. Wadia donated marshy land at "Mahalaxmi" which was converted into the "Mahalaxmi Racecourse" modeled on the Melbourne racecourse(Australia)for conducting horse-racing. Separate "Burial Grounds" for three religions is adjacent to the racecourse outside its boundary walls, besides the racecourse itself has seen the burial and exhumation of numerous personal fortunes as also euthanasia of race-horses due to "Breakdowns" on the race-track."Gamblers Gossip and Intrigues" amongst racegoers at the Mahalaxmi racecourse could make "Detective Novels and white collar crime" seem a part and fact of "Horse-racing", one of the reasons of the sport's survival and charm, despite numerous attempts to discredit and ban it in "Capitalist Socialist India". "Eating Horses(KHANEKA[Hindi slang])", or laying them to lose, was (and possibly still is) a common illegal betting practice with punters and bookies.
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| "Reserved Seats" in "Members Grandstand building". |
Since Saturday(4-4-2009) the "Tote Fixed odds" have created a "Bar Betting" based on the same "Eating Horses formula" where the tote odds are given to bet on a "Favourite Losing". This has made horse-racing in Mumbai a less corrupt sport since betting on a "Favourite to lose" is available to all punters! This form of "Betting" is common in all "Sports Betting" on "International betting sites" and gives punters a better chance in betting as an investment speculation, hence the "R.W.I.T.C" of Mahalaxmi race-course has been a trendsetter in India for introducing "LEGAL" Betting permutations and combination's to the punters.Congratulations "R.W.I.T.C" for being an innovator in Indian horse-racing.Strangely in 2010 racing season, the "R.W.I.T.C' has abolished the "Bar-Betting" system on totes although it is flourishing "Illegally" amongst the "Bookies", code word being "Ghoda Khaneka(Eating the favourite)".
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| Bookies on "Indian Derby-2015".Its a game of "HORSE POKER". |
The "Mahalaxmi racecourse" is the only place in India where a common racegoer can rub shoulders with some of India's wealthiest citizens and celebrities devoid of bodyguards and pretensions, akin to pedestrian walking, something impossible in normal Mumbai lifestyle with the common Mumbaikars' fascination for "CELEBRITIES", especially "Film stars". Another important factor is that the "Mahalaxmi Racecourse and horse races" have never been affected by either "Communal riots" or "Partial City Bandhs" (Strikes) throughout its history since "British- India" to the present era and is a unique "Island" of "COMMUNAL HARMONY AND INTEGRATION" in Mumbai city, an unexplained factor to sociologists and politicians. Bizarrely,on Thursday(25-11-2010) the Mumbai races were canceled due to unfavourable track conditions following non-seasonal rainfall in the city, the first instance in living memory of horse-racing being disrupted in Mumbai.
There was a Damocles sword hanging over the future of the Mahalaxmi racecourse as 99 year old lease agreement came for renewal in 2013.
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| A seat and view of one of the World's best racecourses on "Indian Derby-2015" day. Won my first Indian Derby on "BE SAFE @ 62/100 Odds". Unbelievable to say that after decades as a punter beginning as a young 19 year old inquisitive spectator in 1980 it was only on Sunday(1-2-2015) at age 54 years that i won my first "INDIAN DERBY". "BETTER LATE THAN TOO LATE" ! "HORSE RACING" is akin to the card game of "POKER" where human skill does play a role unlike "GAMBLING" which is a pure luck game .Hence Royalty, Commoners , Tycoons, Paupers ,Intellectuals and Duffers ,Detective Sleuths and the Underworld all try their skill at the "RACE COURSE" which is the ultimate advertisement for Capitalism. ITS ALL ABOUT SKILL IN WINNING AND MAKING OR LOSING MONEY. |
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"Kingfisher Ultra Million Indian Derby-2016:- At "Member's Enclosure". 20 horses in the Derby. |
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| Candid "SELFIE" with a winning horse"Myrtlewood" |
He was now officially declared a economic offender by the Indian Government for his "Kingfisher Airlines" titanic commercial flop and hence having fled to England was now a resident in London.The "R.W.I.T.C" was undergoing heavy financial losses and the same was evident in the staging of the 75th "Kingfisher Ultra Million Derby-2017". The "Member's Enclosure" guest tickets prices shot through the once plush "Air-Condition Hangar" roof.Tickets which were just Rs 350 last year in 2016 were now a princely Rs 1000 with two free complimentary "Kingfisher pint beers" as a solace for the abrupt price hike.The famous temporary landmark "Indian Derby Week-end Air Condition Hangar" in the members enclosure was non-existent and the performance stage was open-air which thankfully was pleasant as the Mumbai February weather was cool akin to being at a Hill-station.The normal flea market , fashion stalls and tarot card readers a regular feature on Indian Derby weekend of Saturday and Sunday at the former temporarily erected "Air Condition Hangar" were missing and the crowd was definitely less than the previous Derby years.This year the Saturday "Derby Weekend Races" were held in the evening under floodlights. This year was the first time that "Night Racing" was conducted on "Indian Derby Weekend" at Mahalaxmi racecourse something i had witnessed for the first time at the Sha Tin racecourse in Hong Kong at the "Hong Kong Derby " in 2005.
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| Derby winner "Hall of Famer" at the "Starting Gates" |
Mr Vivek.Jain Chairman of "R.W.I.T.C" inaugurated the afternoon "Member's Enclosure" entertainment thanking also Mr Vijay.Mallya for his personal involvement in making the "Indian Derby" one of the glamour events of India's social calendar. The "Members Enclosure" entertainment was excellent as on other Derby day's over the years with a mix of foreign and local Indian artists. Was definitely worth the Rs 1000 entrance ticket as it was classic "5 Star entertainment" at its best. Realized how heavily Industrialist Mr Vijay.Mallya had contributed towards the staging of the Indian Derby under his company's sponsorship thereby subsidizing the "Entrance Tickets" to race-goers on Indian Derby week-end carnival.The Indian Derby-2017 with 14 competing horses was won by the second favourite horse "Hall of Famer" @ 3/1 owned and trained by last years winner Mr S.Padmanabhan and ridden by last year's winning jockey David.Allan from England.
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| Inauguration of "Member's Enclosure" entertainment. |
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| "Mercedes Benz" with "R.W.I.T.C" V.I.P's returning back to paddock after "Indian Derby-2017" prize presentation. |
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| ULTRA INDIAN DERBY -2019(BOOKMAKER STALLS CLOSED) :- First time in the racecourse's history the racecourse "BOOKIE'S" were not in operation on "Indian Derby Day". The reason for the closure of the Bookie operation at Mahalaxmi racecourse was the result of a Police raid on 21 stalls during the first day evening(Night) races of the Mumbai racing season on Friday(21/12/2018) resulting in the conviction of 18 racecourse bookies for excepting illegal bets and hence avoiding taxes to the Government . Since December 2018 the "Bookie Stalls" as seen in the "First Enclosure" in this photo have been out of business resembling a graveyard rather than a bustling speculation transaction market. With the closure of "Bookmaker Stalls" betting is only through the race-course "Tote" betting system. |
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| Winning entry tickets for "Indian Derby 2019" |
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| Mr Rajan.Advani,Mrs M.Advani,Mr Adil.Karkaria & me.In fact it was through Mr Rajan Advani that I first entered Mahalaxmi Race-course to witness " Indian Derby - 1980" and the rest was Race-course attendances history over the decades. |
I was not a witness to the pre-Independence "Royalty era" nor the early post Independence Industrialist era of Indian horse racing but definitely a participant and voyeur of the sport from 1979 to the present day in the 21st century. Hence during my era of "Horse-racing" there is the "Pre Vijay Mallya Kingfisher Indian Derby" sponsorship and after the year 2016 when the Industrialist fled India on a economic offence ,the "Post Vijay Mallya Indian Derby".The "Post Vijay Mallya" Derby of today was definitely way below the glamour, entertainment and chic factor of the Vijay Mallya sponsorship years as was evident in the member's as well as the common "First Enclosure" of the historic racecourse.
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| As a lifelong fan and punter in the sport of "Horse Racing" had a chance encounter with horse owner and Dashmesh Stud farm owner Mr Tegbir.Brar ,Mrs Brar and Mrs S.Padmanabhan , wife of Horse trainer Mr Paddy .Padmanabhan.Mr Tegbir.Brar's horse " Sir Cecil", the "Indian Derby -2019" favourite was doing its morning track workouts at the Mahalaxmi racecourse in preparation for the Derby . Over the decades have photographed the "Who's Who" of the Indian horse racing World but this was my first personal interaction with one of the prominent owners of the Indian horse racing Industry. |
The Indian Derby favourite was "Sir Cecil" whose owner Mr Tegbir.Singh.Brar i happened to personally meet during my jogging at the Mahalaxmi racecourse in the mornings.Destiny played a bizarre role in this unexpected meeting with the owner of the Derby favourite, the first time in my lifetime that i personally met and had a brief conversation with a Big time horse owner and stud farm owner.The Brar's own "Dashmesh Stud Farm" and "Elusive Pimpernel" was the most famous horse owned by them, definitely one of the best horses in Indian horse racing history.I normally swim 2 Kms daily at the "M.G.M.O" pool but since the pool was closed for a fortnight for repairs took up to my old fitness regime of cycling to the racecourse and jogging 2400 meters of the race track.. "Elusive Pimpernel" was one of my favourite betting horses , a superstar of the equine World and hence in "Sir Cecil" was hoping to discover the next "Elusive Pimpernel".
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| Brar Family & Trainer Paddy in paddock. |
"Bookmakers" were non-operational on the biggest day of Indian horse racing.That's life , lifestyle and living. Jai Ho
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| "BOOKMAKERS TRADING RING IN FIRST ENCLOSURE" :- Unbelievable ghastly sight of a "Bookmakers Shamshanghat(Graveyard)" on "Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby Day 2019 ". The entire "Bookmakers Betting Ring" has been sealed by the Police and Income Tax officials and closed since that ghastly Friday the 21st day of 2018. On a "Indian Derby Day" lakhs of rupees are bet and either won or lost by punters and bookies. Its a "Cat and Mouse" game between punters and bookies a eternal "Tom & Jerry " saga of real life money chase. Betting is what defines and keeps the sport of "HORSE RACING" relevant and alive unlike most other sports .The betting for the derby was only on the racecourse managed "Tote" betting system. A First in the history of the Indian Derby in India. |
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| Betting at the "R.W.I.T.C" "Tote Stalls". |
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| GRAND STANDS :-Crowd of 30,000 on Derby day. |
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| The "HORSE'S " are the superstars on any Indian Derby day.Here is the favourite "Sir Cecil( N0 6)" @ 11/10 in the paddock parade .He had won 8 races until beaten on this day by "Star Superior"(N0 7)" @ 8/1 .To the "Punters" ,"Bookies" and "Tote" the "Indian Derby" is all about money economics while for the Billionaire owners its all about the prestige and thrill of seeing their horse past the winning post in the first position. Bizarrely "Star Superior" had lost all its previous 3 races against "Sir Cecil" finally beating his rival when it most mattered in the most important race of Indian horse racing.This is what horse racing and the Indian Derby is all about . It's not for nothing that the sport of horse racing is called the "SPORT OF KINGS AND QUEENS" for beside's a passion and aptitude to understand horses and horse racing the sport also demands a perennial flow of money. |
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| "The Dr M.A.M.Ramaswamy Million" race :- Named after the one and only legendary horse owner of India Dr M.A.M.Ramaswamy who during his lifetime won 600 Classic races , a record that will stand for eternity in Indian horse racing.This was the last race of the day run under "Floodlights" amplifying the beauty of the scenic Mahalaxmi racecourse.The 12 horses are seen galloping past the winning post with rank outsider "True Grit" pipping the hot favourite "Sharareh" by just 1/2 a length in the grand finale of the day of "Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby -2019" . |
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| Any Derby day is "Braggers Rights " to Modeling Clubs ? |
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| Presentation ceremony of Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby-2020 on the race-track ground in front of the Grandstand :- Won by " War Hammer" , trained by Mr Prasanna.Kumar and ridden by jockey Suraj.Narredu."War Hammer" was bred at the "Kunigal Stud Farm" and owned by Dr C.A.Prashanth, Mr Gautam.Basapa, Mr B.S. Manjunath and Mr Apana.Subaiya.Won effortlessly by almost 7 3/4 lengths in a timing of 2:28.40 Secs. |
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| "War Hammer" in paddock parade before Derby race. |
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| "Rolls Royce Drophead " parked in 1st Enclosure. |
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| No age bar for studying "Cole Racebook" . |
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| "Rolls Royce Drop Head" on way to racetrack. |
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| "COVID-19" Pandemic and "Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby-2021" :- The "Indian Derby" normally held in the first week of February was delayed and shifted to this day in March ,most importantly not totally cancelled. No spectators allowed into the racecourse except those connected with the running of the races like Horse owners, Trainers, jockey's, Syces, officials, security, etc. A few spectators were allowed into this member's enclosure on payment of a astronomical Rs 3000/Person ticket. This was the 79th running of the "Indian Derby" and the first instance the race being officially conducted to a empty stadium. No "Bookies" or "Tote" betting and for the first time betting on the "Indian Derby" was conducted through a on-line digital betting site of the "R.W.I.T.C". Watching the race proceedings from outside the stadium seated on my motorcycle was akin to being in a "Drive-In" theatre watching the Indian Derby on the big screen. |
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| Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby-2021 :- Start of the race to a empty stadium devoid of spectators due to "Covid-19" pandemic . Since 1980 having regularly attended the "Indian Derby" this was the first time i had to watch the proceedings from outside the stadium grounds through this barbed fence. Thankfully at least the Indian Derby was held behind a closed stadium akin to other sports and horse racing events across the Globe and not totally cancelled. There were a total of 12 runners and the final results of the race was 1) Winner of the race was the filly "Immortality" trained by P.Shroff and ridden by jockey Suraj.Narredu.Owner: Ms Ameeta Mehra rep. Mehra Stud And Agricultural Farms Pvt Ltd & Mrs Liane Luthria 2) Forrest Flame trained by S.S.Attaollahi 3) Alluring Silver trained by P.Shroff and ridden by jockey P.S.Chouhan 4) Taimur trained by Karthik.Ganapathy and ridden by jockey A.Sandesh. "Lagarde" the favorite placed 6th.This could be the first Indian Derby where all the first 3 horses were filly's. |
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| Winner "Immortality" & Jockey Suraj.Narredu. along with owner's .Empty stadium as spectators not allowed to view running of "Indian Derby-2021" due to "Covid -19" restrictions. |
Jockey Suresh.Narredu completed a hat-trick of "Indian Derby" wins having first won the coveted race in 2015 riding "Be Safe" on which i as a punter also won my first Indian Derby having been in the business for over a quarter of a century.Believe me that no punter ever retires as a "MONETARY WINNER" from a racecourse with the sport being a costly entertaining hobby to those who can afford it and ruinous to those who think of becoming overnight millionaires or a income through the sport as a punter ..Destiny played a crucial role in the 2021 Indian Derby for jockey Suresh.Narredu who almost didn't make it to riding "Immortality" as he was suspended by the "Bangalore Turf" club for not riding favourite "Salazar" according to its merits in a race in Bangalore. To his good-luck the case against his suspension was revoked just 2 days before the "Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby-2021" and hence at the last moment it was confirmed he would be riding "Immortality".The rest as they say was Indian Derby history and Suraj.Narredu confidently rode filly "Immortality" to victory. Ironically "Salazar" running in the 2nd race of the day won comfortably. Luck besides skill plays a important role in life let alone the gambling sport of "Horse Racing" and Suraj.Narredu knows better.
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Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby ( Sunday 6/2/2022) :- Before the start of the first race a 2 minutes silence was observed in the paddock parade ring in honour of 92 year old Hindi playback singer Lata.Mangeshkar, the "Nightingale of India" who expired in the morning putting a nation in mourning. What late race horse owner Dr .M.A.M. Ramaswamy and Late horse trainer Mr Rashid.Byramjee were to Indian horse racing so also was Late Lata.Mangeshkar to Indian Hindi film music, indispensable legends during their lifetime and difficult to replace by newcomers in the profession . Till the end of my life would definitely be humming a few Hindi music tunes of Late Lata. Mangeshkar akin to being a fan of "Horse Racing" across the Globe. Although a large crowd was present with "Masks" in comparison to a empty racecourse in 2021 this was the dullest Indian Derby i have witnessed in the last 41 years since my first Derby attendance in 1980. Absolutely no entertainment or alcoholic beverage stall's and my sympathy to the first timer's curious to be seen and observed at the "Derby fashion parade" paying a astronomical Rs 2000 to enter the "Member's Enclosure". The culprit and villain of a lackluster Indian Derby was "Covid-19" pandemic which closed down "Live Spectator Racing" on this beautiful racecourse for almost two years resulting in astronomical losses to the "R.W.I.T.C".As for me, having aged at the Mahalaxmi racecourse ground watched the proceedings from the common "First Enclosure" with ticket priced at the normal Rs 75 and the additional cost of the "Cole Book" costing RS 40, a race guide that is over a century old in continuous publication. Ahoy !
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| Indian Derby -2022 :- Jockey Treavor Patel astride Gelding "Zuccarelli(8) crossing the finishing line comfortably ahead of "A Star is Born(1)" ridden by Jockey Suraj.Narredu with "Chopin(3)." ridden by jockey Neeraj.Rawal placing third.The Pipping hot favourite "Miracle(10)" ridden by P.S.Chouhan and unbeaten in all her races previous 8 races until this race ,placing a miserable fourth. |
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| Favourite "Miracle(10)" returning to paddock. |
Zuccarelli, trained by Pesi Shroff, won the Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby (Gr 1) carrying the racing silks of KN Dhunjibhoy, who owns him in partnership with his son Zaheer, and friends DR Thacker, Mukul Sonawala and Adi Narielwala. Zuccarelli was bred at Nanoli stud farm .Zuccarelli also holds the distinction of being the only horse in India to win a Derby by a margin of 15 and quarter lengths when winning the Bangalore Derby . Trainer Pessi Shroff had five runners in the Derby field, including the failed favourite Miracle and winner Zuccarelli .This was third Derby success as a trainer, which came rather quickly after having led in Immortality, winner of last year’s Derby in a totally empty stadium. The jockey-turned-champion-trainer, holds the record of winning the Derby eight times as a jockey but had to wait for 11 long years after saddling his first Derby winner, Jaqueline, in 2010 as a trainer. Photographed myself with the vintage "Wolseley Car" used for the prize distribution ceremony.
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| Indian Derby 2022 :- photo with vintage "Wolseley". |
Was happy to see the racing crowd back in attendance and hope normal life resumes. On my way back home had to weave my motorcycle through heavy traffic congestion created due to the funeral proceedings of Lata Mangeshkar at Shivaji Park ground. Watched the funeral proceedings "Live" on television that was broadcast on all Indian channels and attended by elite dignitaries including Prime Minister Shri Narendra.Modi. Lata Mangeshkar's singing career is as old as the Indian Derby and akin to her success as a singer hope the Indian Derby progresses in "Prize Money" and entertainment post "Covid 19" pandemic that has created financial and human disaster across the Globe.
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| Filly "Mirra" ridden by jockey Antony.Raj.S and owned by Ms Ameeta.Mehra won "Indian Derby -2023".Here "Mirra" draped in the Indian Derby shawl is posing for photographers in the paddock. " Mirra" was trained by Arjun.Manglorkar and both for jockey Antony.Raj.S and Trainer Arjun.Manglorkar this was their first ever Indian Derby win. |
Sunday(5/2/2023) Indian Derby 2023:- Entered Mahalakshmi racecourse on Indian Derby day on a sad note having attended the funeral of maternal cousin Mr Selwyn.D'silva yesterday and today at the Indian Derby.Death reminds us of our own mortality and life goes on with me the evergreen optimist making the most use of my time on Planet Earth.This year the Indian Derby was not sponsored and advertisements proclaimed something different with " Day / Night racing" and later "Live music" entertainment upto 2200 hrs. Hence decided to enter the " Members enclosure" with tickets priced at Rs 1000 something i did religiously every "Indian Derby" day during the era of "Vijay Mallya U.B Group" sponsorship.According to me that era of "Indian Derby" racing entertainment is history and i was privileged to be a "Close Spectator" and chronicler which is a result of this "Indian Derby " blog during my era of racecourse attendances.
The "Indian Derby Race" started at 1730 hrs with one of the largest field's in recent years consisting of 18 participating horses.Filly "Mirra(No 17)" @ 6/1 ,owned and bred by Ameeta Mehra of the Usha stud farm, trained by Bangalore-based Arjun Mangalorkar and ridden by Antony Raj S won the Indian Derby pipping favourite "Kings Ransom(No 16)" @ 2/1 by a length. Although the Indian Derby was not sponsored this year I personally felt this was the best Indian Derby post the Vijay Mallya era of Indian Derby sponsorship .
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| "Wigwam" style tent in member's enclosure. Classic ambiance on a "Full Moon" night. |
There was a large crowd in both "Members" and "First Class " enclosures with unique open air wigwam sort of tents and lots of food and drinks counter's in the "Member's Enclosure" although very expensive as Indian Derby is once in a year event.Later once the Sun set there was excellent night racing under a " FULL MOON" night although the last race of the evening scheduled at 1930 hrs had to be cancelled due to poor visibility in foggy conditions.Quenched my thirst partially with a cocktail of excellent " Spiced rum mojita" and later dinner was a snack of "Mutton Sheekh Kabab/Rumali Roti", excellent . The crowd was entertained and danced to the excellent music and vintage cover songs perfomed by Reena and Lindsay .Rode back home on my mechanical horse(motorcycle) after a excellent evening enjoying the races and entertainment without speculating on a single race akin to a horse owner patronizing the sport not as a business but as a passion.
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| "ENABLER" winner of "HPSL INDIAN DERBY 2024" being paraded in the paddock by trainer Mallesh .Narredu and ridden by his son Yash.Narredu. First time in the 82 year old history of the "INDIAN DERBY" a father and son combination of trainer and jockey has won this premier race of the Indian horse racing calendar. |
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| Owner of " Enabler" Mrs B.E.Saldanha in the vintage Rolls Royce to be driven to the main racecourse ground for "HPSL Indian Derby " presentation ceremony. "Enabler" owners were Mrs B.E.Saldanha, Mr Sultan.Singh,Mr Vivek.S.Jain,Mr Balam.Mohla and Mr Anil.Saraf. "Shareholders" of this horse akin to shares in a pvt company. |
Sunday(4/2/2024) HPSL(Horse Power Sports League) Indian Derby 2024 :- As usual was early in the member's enclosure whose entrance ticket was Rs 1000, same as last year.Post exit of Industrialist Mr Vijay.Mallya from India as well as sponsorship of Indian Derby its a different much subdued carnival atmosphere on the main lawn of the "MEMBER'S ENCLOSURE". This year there was no "LIVE BAND" playing but normal common "D.J.Music" in front of the grand screen in the enclosure with various food stalls and designer shops inside the beautiful main lawn.Studying my "Cole Race Guide " on a lawn table suddenly the suited gentleman having his meal next to me asked me if i was the same person who occasionally wrote on "www.Indiarace.com" and hence total stranger's became racecourse acquaintances.Mr N.K.Ramachandran also known as N.K.R.Chettiar was a multifaceted businessman owned 3 horses in Bengaluru although living in Trivandrum.We discussed horse racing and Indian Derby contenders with Mr N.K.Ramachandran strongly in favour of colt "Enabler" winning the Indian Derby.He was much senior to me in age having entered a racecourse in 1968 and since then a punter and now owner.A very modest man having visited a few racecourses around the Globe.As for me i thoroughly do my "Horse study homework" and come what May never change my decision unless the horse looks bad in the paddock parade or is withdrawn.Finally bidding Mr N.K.Ramachandran best of luck filled my free racecourse "Forecast Slip" given to every racecourse entrant with the total capacity crowd in both " Members" and " First Enclosure" amounting to approximately 16,000 spectator's. I named the two horses in winning sequence for "Indian Derby-2024' and my selection was 1) Enabler and 2) Synthesis.
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| Lawn in " Members Enclosure" for entertainment and food stalls. |
Dropping the slip into the "Ballot Box" headed to the 'First Enclosure" betting ring and placed a Rs 1000 bet on "Enabled for place @ 75/100.Besides the usual tycoon Industrialist race horse owner's spotted a few Bollywood celebrities, most prominent being Actor Saif.Ali .Khan and late actor Shashi.Kapoor's son Kunal,Trustee of "Prithvi Theatre" and Karan.Kapoor , once upon a time India's top model .This year there were no joker's, juggler's or stilt walkers ,proof of the precarious finances of the R.W.I.T.C and its ongoing lease debate with the Bombay Municipal corporation which had reached a controversial conclusion in January last month.Most important was the fact that there would be no shifting of the racecourse from its present location with the lease extended to 2053 but a part of the racecourse would be converted to a "New York Central Park" style garden.finally it was time for the "Indian Derby Race" and after ages there was no firm favourite with " No 12 Jendayi" being at lowest odds of 3/1 for a "Win".A excellent run race with "Enabler" winning the race in the last 200 meters beating " No 9 Synthesis" and "No11 Jamari" with favourite 'No 12 Jendayi" finishing 4th.
My forecast was perfect but so also were another 245 punters among the throng of approximately 16,000 spectators that had witnessed this exciting Indian Derby as also filling the " Free Forecast Contest" forms.
In the "Lucky Dip" i lost as also 243 other correct answers with the prize of the "Jawa Motorcycle" going to only one lucky dip winner.That's life . Ahoy ! There was a art exhibit sale of horses by eminent Indian artist M. Narayan akin to M.F.Hussain but with much less price tags below Rs 10 lakhs, definitely affordable to horse lovers. Spent the rest of the evening watching the last two races of the evening conducted under floodlights akin to "Night Racing" and finally at 2030 hrs headed back home on my motorcycle.
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| ( Photo Credit :- Swati .Deshpande/ TNN) Ranquelino( No 9)" ridden by jockey A.Sandesh and trained by Darius.Byramji won the " HPSL Indian Derby- 2025" beating ," Pyrite( No 14)" by 1 length. " Positano( No 8)" was 3rd.The favourite " Santissimo ( No 10 )" @ 2/1 odds couldn't stay the trip and was in the ruck placing 7th.There were a total of 16 horses running and a very open Indian Derby with huge odds and just one clear favourite "Santissimo( No 10) ". The winner , second favourite "Ranquelino" @ 4/1 was justifiable but "Pyrite" @ 25/1 as also "Positano" @ 25/1 placing 2nd and 3rd proves the total upset of Horse racing experts in predicting the "Odds" according to the horses form which is the charm of horse racing and Derby races.Fourth placed horse "Thalassa(25/1) was also a surprise to have featured on the board . |
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| Celibrity jockey Oisin.Murphy piloted favourite "Zuccaro(No 3)" to victory in 5th race of the day but flopped on Indian Derby favourite " Santissimo "@ 2/1 placing 7th out of 16 horses.Akin to the " FILM INDUSTRY" so also in horse racing you are as good as your last film or winning horse ride.Oisin.Murphy is a Celebrity jockey akin to a top film star hero. |
Sunday(2/2/2025) HPSL INDIAN DERBY 2025 CARNIVAL:- As usual a " Fashion show Parade " at my home away from home "Mahalaxmi Racecourse".Repeated my a la " Maharajah Patiala Style" dress code on Indian Derby day- 2025 .Entrance ticket was Rs 1000 for non - members in the "Members Enclosure".The first race started at 1415 hrs and the last race of the evening was under floodlights ending at 1915 hrs."Approximately 11,000 spectators were present on the racecourse grounds,far less in comparison to the past decade.While Mumbai's population has increased by leaps and bounds it's unbelievable that " Indian Derby" spectator attendance has decreased over the years.RANQUELINO(No 9) " @ 4/1 won the HPSL Indian Derby 2025. "Ranquelino" was co-owned by Messrs Shapoor Mistry,Mukul.Sonawala,Kishore.M.Dingra, D.R .Thacker, S R Sanas and Ashok.Ranpise.For trainer Daraius. Byramji son of legendary Indian Derby trainer Rashid.Byramji this was his 3rd Indian Derby win and breaking his own father's record of 10 "Indian Derby" winners is a long road ahead .First time in a Indian Derby the horses placing 2nd, 3rd and 4th were quoted at adds of above 25/1 for "Win" and hence lucky punters who laid a "PLACE" bet on either "Pyrite" or " Positano" made a fortune. Awesome " LADIES FASHION" on display and " Gentlemen" in typical Derby attire.Excellent eatery ,clothing and handicraft stalls along with DJ music but no "Live Music" in " Members Enclosure".A unique race was the 8th race of the day ""In Memory of Enabler Million" of which there was also a free lucky lottery for predicting the first 3 runners of this particular race. "ENABLER" was winner of last year's Indian Derby and expired tragically shortly afterwards in Kolkata before competing in the" Indian Turf Invitation cup-2024".
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| Mr Julio.Ribeiro aged 95 years presenting " In Memory of Enabler Million " prize on "HPSL Indian Derby Day. Strangely "Supercops" seem to have a strange fascination for "HORSE RACING". Most famous Supercop was Late J.Edgar Hoover who was instrumental in creation of the "F.B.I" in U.S.A . and was fascinated by horse racing during his lifetime. |
Hence this year Enabler's Co-owners Mrs Blanche.Saldanha,Vivek.Jain,Sultan.Singh,Balam.Mohla and Anil Saraf along with trainer Mallesh.Narredu sponsored and named this race after "Enabler". I had correctly predicted the 2nd and 3rd horse in this race but failed to predict the winner "Hagibis", a rank outsider . Former Retired Commissioner of Mumbai Police and later Civil servant/Author Mr Julio.Ribeiro at age 95 yrs presented prizes to the winner also giving a short speech.A inspiration to all at the racecourse that for a few numerical age is just a number.Party continued after racing hours into the night with the giant T.V screen in " Members Enclosure" broadcasting the "Live T20" cricket match at Wankhede stadium between India and England with India winning the match.But honestly, I miss the heady Indian Derby entertainment of the " Vijay Mallya" era of Sponsorship upto 2016.Change is permanent and adaptation to change essential .
CASE FOR RENEWING THE LEASE OF MAHALAXMI RACECOURSE
On 31st May 2013 the 99 year old lease of Mahalaxmi racecourse expired and there were plans to convert the racecourse into a public park and shifting the present racecourse to another location in a distant suburb of Mumbai. After much political debate and press reports it was finally decided to let the "MAHALAXMI RACECOURSE" exist in its present location and hence the lease was renewed by the State Government for another 30 years.
The reasons for renewing the lease were as follows.
1) Racecourse activities employ approx 5000 people, majority of workers belonging to the lower income bracket..
2) "BETTING TAX" collected by the State Government for only 43 race days amounts to Rs 50 Crore/year !
3) Racecourse lawns and grounds are rented for wedding and other social functions including political gatherings and rock concerts.
4) Common people are allowed daily onto the racecourse every morning and evening for jogging, walking, yoga and other activities for 6 months of the year during the off-season. During the Mumbai Racing season the racecourse is open to the public in the morning but closed in the evening on "RACE DAYS".In the evenings the racecourse opens after the end of the days last horse race.
5) The "WALKING & JOGGING TRACK" is maintained by the "R.W.I.T.C" with no expenses from "B.M.C" or the "STATE GOVT".
NEW LEASE AGREEMENT(2013) :- The lease charges per year have been hiked to Rs 42 Crores/Year from the paltry Rs 56 lakhs/Year Charged prior to May 2013.Another clause attached to the renewal is that the lease rates will be hiked every 5 years.
With the renewal of the lease enjoy "HORSE-RACING" at one of the World's most beautiful and scenic race-courses that is over a century old and has history written all over it.
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| LEARN "HORSE-RIDING" AT THE AMATEUR RIDERS CLUB IN MAHALAXMI RACE-COURSE. |
WARNING NOTE :- ANY FORM OF SPECULATION BE IT " STOCK MARKET DAY - TRADING",GAMBOLLING ON HORSES, FOOTBALL OR CRICKET, TO NAME A FEW POPULAR SPORTS IN INDIA IS DANGEROUS FOR PERSONAL MONETARY HEALTH IF RECKLESS AND A PERPETUAL LOSER WITH NO "BETTING DISCIPLINE" OR "BETTING INVESTMENT BUDGET". WHO COULD WRITE BETTER ON A SELF-HELP CURE FOR A GAMBOLLING ADDICTION THAN YOUR'S TRULY WHO EARNS A DECENT LIVING ON SPECULATION INVESTMENT ? READ MY THESIS "GAMBLARS NOT SO ANNONYMOUS " ON CURING YOURSELF FROM A GAMBOLLING ADDICTION AS A LOSER AND TRANSFORMING INTO A SPECULATION WINNER AS I DID. AHOY !
"GAMBLARS NOT SO ANNONYMOUS" Link :- https://gamblarsnotsoannonymous.blogspot.com/2012/02/recognizing-symptoms-of-gambling.html
