Mahalakshmi Racecourse is one of Mumbai's greatest architectural landmarks. Read this article to know more about the history, architecture and the visiting hours of Mahalakshmi Racecourse.

Mahalakshmi Racecourse

Location: Keshav Rao Khadye Marg Road, Mahalakshmi, Mumbai
Highlights/Famous For: McDowell's Indian Derby, Horse races
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Gallops, Tot on Turf (Famous restaurants)
How to Reach: Mahalakshmi Station is the closest railway station..

Mahalaxmi Racecourse
Mahalakshmi Racecourse, owned by The Royal Western Turf Club-an elite sports club in Mumbai, is a renowned horse racing track in the country. It is considered to be one of the greatest circuits in Asia. The racecourse's Grandstand, is also included in the list of the 'heritage structures of India'. The Mahalakshmi Racecourse is built on the once marshy flatlands that were known as 'Mahalakshmi Flats' about 100 years ago. Every year, on the first Sunday of February, the renowned Indian Derby is held for the members of Mumbai's high society. This is the one place where people can bet on horses and gamble. The land, in which the racecourse is built, was first given to the people of Mumbai by Sir Cusrow N Wadia and is now leased from the Muncipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM). Wealthy business tycoons, actors, celebrities and other people belonging to the upper strata of society attend the racecourse games conducted from November to April. More than a 100 horses are trained before the racing season.

History And Architecture
The Mahalakshmi Racecourse was built in 1883. The racing ground is oval in shape and the length of the race track spreads to about 2400 meters. The Mahalakshmi Racecourse is built on 225 acres of land, facing the sea. A huge open land sited in the middle of the bustling city of Mumbai, this racetrack is a mirror image of the Melbourne Caulfield Racecourse. Special lawns within the Mahalakshmi Racecourse are used for parties, weddings and other special occasions, with a capacity to house over 1500 to 2000 people. The racecourse has royal style structures that date back to the 1880's. The structures possess immense architectural beauty with a lot of historical significance. The government is taking all possible measures to retain the racecourse's ancient architecture.

Nearby Tourist Attractions
The 'Gallops', is a famous restaurant located near the racecourse. One can dine and watch the beautiful green expanse of land from this restaurant. The 'Tot on Turf' bar and restaurant is sited very close to the racecourse and one can enjoy amazing local food and drinks here.

Best Time To Visit
One can witness people walking, exercising, practicing Yoga and Tai-chi in the gardens sited within the race-tracks, during the specific visiting hours. The horse racing season in Mumbai begins from November to April. The races are generally held on Sunday and Thursday afternoons. The races are held on Saturday and Sunday, towards the end of the season. 5 classic Indian races such as the 1000 Guineas, the 2000 Guineas, the Oaks, the Derby and the St Leger are held here. The Great Indian Derby is held in February only and is considered a major event. Membership charges amount to Rs. 5, 00,000.

How To Reach
The Mahalakshmi station is the closest railway station to the Mahalakshmi Racecourse. The closest airport is the Sahara International Airport and one can hire an auto or a taxi towards the racing ground from there.

One of the best racecourses in Asia, Mahalakshmi Racecourse is situated in Mahalakshmi, Mumbai and was built in 1883. The racecourse is modeled after the Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia. The racing track is about 2400 meters and the whole racecourse is spread over 225 acres of land.