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The Signature Premier Indian Derby 2012 kicks off amidst great fanfare and style

Celebrates the 28th year of unparalleled glamour, power dressing and horse racing

The Richest Individual Sporting Event in India with over Rs 2.5 crores prize purse

Mumbai, February 4, 2012: The 28th edition of the much awaited glamorous sporting event of the year, Signature Premier Indian Derby, kicked off to a pulsating start with a prize purse of a whopping Rs. 2.5 crores. Day one of the Derby weekend saw racing enthusiasts, socialites and noted personalities descend on the race course to witness the thrill of the races as some of the finest thoroughbreds competed against each other. Sporting designer wear, the glitterati sprinkled glamour quotient in abundance on the lush green turf of the Mahalaxmi race course in Mumbai.

Few of the glamorous personalities that lent their charm to the event were Four Seasons wines evangelist, Shamita Singha, Pankaj Udhas, Mahesh Manjerakar to name a few. Signature Premier Brand Ambassador Abhay Deol is expected to grace the occasion tomorrow along with the city's glitterati.

Akshay Kumar, COO - West, United Spirits Limited, said, “The Signature Premier Indian Derby is a much awaited and electrifying confluence of sport, fashion, fun and high-energy excitement. It is a delight for us to bring this blue riband race unabatedly for the last 27 years, with every year a truly memorable one. This year too, we have ensured that the 2012 edition is abuzz with the excitement of a never before jackpot of Rs. 2.5 crores and participation from the best of the racing and fashion world. ”

Vivek Jain, Chairman, Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) said, " The Signature Premier Indian Derby has reinvented itself year on year and is by far, the richest and the most glamorous sporting event in India. I have yet to see a Derby that has attracted such attention. We have India’s best horses and a number of the top international jockeys as a part of this year’s derby. The UB Group has shown unmatched commitment to the sport as it has for the past 27 years. We at the RWITC promise to make this event a truly spectacular weekend.”

The Signature Premier Indian Derby was marked with unparalleled entertainment, high-voltage sporting action and glamour, truly making it an event where the bold stand out and others blend in. Tribute performances to the yesteryear band Bee Gees by the UK Bee Gees brought back memories of an era gone by. Performing to chartbusters of Lady Gaga and Britney Spears, International tribute artist Charlotte Hopley wowed the crowds with her bold show. International dance group Sheketak held everyone’s attention as they performed ‘Rhythm in Motion’ an artistic mixture of Body-percussion, Tap Dance, Hip-Hop & Break Dance, all accompanied by live music & multimedia. London’s leading lady magician Katherine Mills cast a spell as she performed some unbelievable tricks to keep the audience entertained. International fashion couture artist from the house of Ed Hardy and Christian Audigier, Adam Saaks, performed his custom couture.

The uber-cool and stylish hub – a state-of-the art air-conditioned hanger was abuzz with activity and the place wore a carnival atmosphere. The performances took place simultaneously in the Paddock area and the AC lounge in between races and will be repeated through Sunday afternoon leading up to the Derby at 5:15 pm. Signature international entertainment acts, top-of-the-game fashion czars, and the electric fervor of the racing enthusiasts- all make the Signature Premier Indian Derby 2012, an event that truly cannot be missed.