Pune, 31st August 2024: Southern Command Gold Cup, an iconic horse racing event was conducted by the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC), Ltd on Saturday, 31 August 2024. Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Army Commander, Southern Command graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The race was fiercely contested, with INQUILAB, ridden by jockey Akshay Kumar and trained by Imtiaz Sait emerging victorious . The Army Commander presented the trophy to the winners and complimented the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC), Ltd for the meticulous conduct of the event.

The Southern Command Gold Trophy is vaunted for its rich history, with its inaugural race dating back to 4th September 1948. The landmark event set the stage for what would become a cornerstone of Indian racing history. Initially open to horses in Class II and III (category of horses as per racing standards) the race covered a challenging one and a half miles. Over the years, the stature of the race has grown, achieving listed status in 1986 and earning a Grade 3 distinction in 1999, solidifying its place as a prestigious event in the Indian Racing Calendar.

The Southern Command Gold Trophy remains not only a highlight of the racing calendar but also a symbol of strong ties between the Indian Army and the RWITC, Ltd which will continue to inspire future generations of turf aficionados and enthusiasts.