This year the emperor of Good times raised the stakes and brought a racing event like never before, with the best entertainment a weekend can offer. The Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby was more than just a race
by Prashant Kapadia/NHN
Mumbai, February , 2018: Kingfisher Ultra, synonymous with high fashion and ‘Good Times’ celebrated a successful year of magnificent racing events in the country. After gaining high popularity in its first edition, the third edition of the Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby was an extravaganza, with its great line-up of thoroughbreds and attendance of the cities crème-da-la-crème. Sunday morning featured a power packed and majestic line-up of thoroughbred colts, geldings, and fillies on the race-track climaxing with the blue riband race.
Rochester kept the date with destiny in the most anticipated event of the Indian racing calendar, The Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby, with a remarkable performance in front of a mammoth crowd. Trained by S.K Sunderji and jockeyed by C. Jodha, Rochester thundered towards victory to win the coveted trophy. The competition was tight between Rochester and Lady in lace, but at the very last second, Rochester galloped away at lightning speed to claim the ultimate fame! Rochester was one of the pre-race favourite to win the Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby and the horse lived up to the expectations with a fine display of speed and stamina.
The owners of Rochester took home Rs 1,13,34000 crore as prize money and were immensely proud of their achievement while receiving the trophy from Mr. Samar Singh Sheikhawat, Chief Marketing Officer, United Breweries Ltd. and Mr. Khushroo Dhunjibhoy, Chairman of the RWITC.
The Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby 2018 made for a perfect weekend with an amalgamation of music and fashion, infused with a dash of adrenaline. The racing event saw the well-heeled and illustrious names of the city celebrate the sport and soak into the spirit of the game.
The weekend leading up to the Derby was indeed more than just a race, it was a festive atmosphere with a glamourous prelude of grand magnitude. The Run-up to the Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby kicked off with much fanfare at the Pre-Derby Party with enthralling performances by the Flying drummers, followed by a dazzling fashion show choregraphed by Rahul Dev Shetty. The Pre-Derby Party was trailed by a curtain raiser to the Ultra Indian Derby with the Pre-Derby carnival. Saturday evening at the RWITC had a fantastic turn out of Mumbaikars for the Derby carnival as people were seen enjoying fun activities and a screening of the super hit web film – Half Ticket 2 by Ultra Shorts. DJ Asen and Kingfisher Ultra kept the spirits high between each race.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Samar Singh Sheikhawat, Chief Marketing Officer, United Breweries Ltd said, “Our association with this regal sport spans over three decades and we are very excited to continue our partnership with RWITC as title sponsors for the third edition of the Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby. This weekend will bring together sports and entertainment in a format that has never before been seen in the city. Kingfisher Ultra’s endeavour is to bring the best to its consumers and we look forward to continue the ultra-experience for many years to come. I would also like to thank and congratulate the horse owners & breeders, jockeys and RWITC for making this a memorable event.”
The top three winners of the Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby -2018 are:
| Sl.no | Horse name | Company | Trainer | Jockey |
| 1. | Rochester | Phoenix Tower -Krasnaya | S.K. Sunderji | C.S. Jodha |
| 2. | Lady In Lace | Chinese Whispers – Sea Spray | K. Raju | Suraj Narredu |
| 3. | Manifold | Multidimensional – Dhaawiah | P.Shroff | David Probert |
This year’s derby weekend was a truly a one of a kind experience, as it offered best of the world of racing, music and fun. Crowds moved and swayed to tunes of the artists such as DJ Shireen and Sameer, who hosted the opening ceremony for the derby. The parade was led by carnival dancers followed up by the famous dance troupe – Kings United on the track. The Derby came to an end with scintillating performances by Bollywood Diva Singer Pratichee Mohapatra and the Bollywood ace Rapper Raftaar.
About Kingfisher ULTRA: Kingfisher ULTRA, the Emperor of Good Times was launched in September 2009. A high-end brand from United Breweries Limited, ULTRA assures consumers the best quality, taste and the most differentiated experience across every touch point. Kingfisher ULTRA is made from the finest imported malts and hops which have a distinctive taste. The packaging is unique with an embossed flint bottle, ring pull crown, gold metalized neck and front label.
The brand has based its activations on prominent genres like fashion and music. Apart from these, Kingfisher ULTRA has also launched various other activations and promotions across all points of sale which have met with positive response amongst its consumers. It is a beer for the classy, modern, urban, confident, independent and self-assured consumer. It is for those who want the best and deserve the best. It is currently available in all major cities of the country.
