Something for everyone

Thousands braved the scorching April heat to witness the showpiece of the Indian racing calendar — the McDowell Indian Derby. The event indeed turned out to be a heady cocktail of racing and entertainment, as predicted.

The RWITC did well in catering to all sections of race-goers ranging from hardcore purists to casual followers.

A luxurious 16,000 sq ft air-conditioned lounge helped people cool off. There were tarot card readers, a photography stall and a jewellery exhibition to lighten up the mood inside. Outside, you could quench your thirst on a special cocktail aptly named ‘Saddle Up’, a famous horse from yesteryears.

There was plenty of excitement on the sidelines as aerial ballet dancers and tribute singers enthralled the crowd. A Beatles look-alike band from Australia churned out the classic number ‘Love Me Do.’

And, what’s a Derby without fashion? Women came out in their Easter Sunday best, wearing attractive dresses. There were four particularly interesting women to whom shutterbugs rushed in a tizzy. One of them, Arnaz, wore a rather interesting hat, which seemed to be adorned by bird’s feathers.

She nonchalantly said, “I bought the hat from a designer store in London.’’ There were ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ as the  Derby race began. But the finish left everyone moaning, as favourite Set Alight was pipped to the post by rank outsider Antonios. Fingers were pointed at why the favourite fell, but most race-goers didn’t mind as they had one helluva party anyways.