The Mahalaxmi Racecourse is a horse racing track in Mahalaxmi suburb, of Mumbai. The track is oval shaped  spread over approx. 325 acres  of open land in the heart of Mumbai city. It was created out of a marshy land known as Mahalakshmi Flats, a hundred years ago.

Leased by the Bombay Municipal Corporation, Mahalakshmi Race Course is run by the Royal Western India Turf Club Limited (RWITCL). Here, you can see most of the upper crust enjoying the horse races in their exclusive attires , a hat being a must. And you might even get the chance to sit besides the hottest celebrity or some industrialist with your lucky entry pass.

The season for horse racing starts in November and goes on till February. However, the Derby that is held annually on the first Sunday in February becomes the most awaited event in the presence of city’s glitterati.  Since the year 1986 till date McDowell’s Indian Derby has been sponsored by liquor baron Vijay Mallya’s UB Group under the name of flagship company McDowells Co. Ltd. as The McDowell’s Indian Derby.

‘Gallops’ is a lavish restaurant in the precincts of the racecourse that is usually occupied by affluent people all through day and night. Its interiors have a bucolic charm about them; it also reminds one of the imperial palaces with light fixtures, curtained elegant carriages and bolts lining the wall and roof. This restaurant doles out Punjabi cuisine on top of Western Cuisine. Besides food and desserts, you can also indulge in the finest wine and beer.

Mahalaxmi racecourse also has Special Lawns for parties, Weddings and special occasions with capacity of around 1500 to 2000 people.

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.

How to reach Mahalaxmi race course?

You can get down at Mahalaxmi station (western line) and take a taxi towards the race course.