Indian racing authorities have long struggled to promote the sport effectively. Many prefer the status quo, resisting change even as attendance dwindles and racing quality deteriorates under the influence of betting syndicates. Clubs like the Bangalore Turf Club are particularly adept at making racegoers feel unwelcome, imposing unreasonable restrictions while offering subpar facilities despite charging exorbitant entry fees. Apart from the Derby, which draws crowds due to its inherent prestige, most clubs have failed to attract new patrons, leading to a stagnant, ageing audience and a declining sport.

In contrast, the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) at least makes an effort to promote its events, particularly the Indian Derby. And what an event it is! The Indian Derby is not just a race; it`s a spectacle, an annual parade of high fashion, high stakes, and, occasionally, high drama. It`s the one day when even people who can`t tell a thoroughbred from a theatre actor turn up to be seen, sip champagne, and update their Instagram stories with horses in the background. It`s social currency at its finest.

Bangalore Derby Summer tries to keep up, offering competitive racing with a "next-gen" appeal, though it doesn`t quite capture the sheer glamour of the Indian Derby. Gone are the days when Vijay Mallya turned it into a Bond movie set—replaced now by the diligent efforts of Ram Shroff and team, who managed to pull in 11,000 attendees. That`s no small feat in an era when getting people to leave their air-conditioned comforts for a day at the races is akin to convincing them to run a marathon.

The Indian Derby`s promotional success isn`t just about the horses; it`s about its ability to market itself as an elite event. Consider the guest list: English champion jockey Oisin Murphy, French legend Christophe Lemaire, and Irish ace Billy Lee—all turning up to add international flair. The fact that they often fail to deliver fireworks on the track is secondary; their mere presence adds to the glitz.

But let`s talk about the real star of the show: Sandesh. The man is in such winning form that even his horses might be wondering what magic he possesses. With three Derby wins in under a month, he`s made foreign jockeys look like tourists enjoying the Mumbai sun while he sweeps up the trophies. The only exceptions? Murphy, who at least managed to grab a win, and David Allan, who continues to shine in India as he does in North England.

The 2025 Indian Derby was a mix of glamour, surprises, and, let`s be honest, a few forgettable results. But that`s the charm—it keeps people talking. The foreign jockeys keep coming back, drawn by the hospitality, sunshine, and the exclusivity of the event. Gone are the days of freelancing jockeys available to all; now, only the rich and powerful can secure their services.

The lesson here? Promotion matters. Without it, racing risks fading into obscurity. The Indian Derby proves that with the right mix of marketing, spectacle, and strategic hype, even a sport struggling with structural issues can thrive. It`s time other clubs take notes and start investing in the future of racing—before the audience, like the old-school bookies, disappears for good.