Zavare Poonawalla gets Legend of Indian Horse Racing award at TAI Racing Excellence Awards

Pune, October 29, 2026: Zavare S. Poonawalla has been given the 'Legend of Indian Horse Racing' award. He received the honour at the Turf Authorities of India (TAI) Racing Excellence Awards ceremony held in Mysuru on October 24. The award recognises his contribution to Indian horse racing and his efforts to take the sport forward across the country.

The Poonawalla family has long been associated with thoroughbred breeding and horse racing, which has helped the industry in the country grow. Poonawalla has also stood by race clubs facing financial hardship. This includes initiatives linked to racing infrastructure and the hosting of major races.

The Bangalore Turf Club has been an important part of his work, especially when the club faced the challenge of relocating its racecourse. According to the organisers, Poonawalla supported efforts to build a new racing facility at Kunigal, which helped the club continue its operations during that critical period.

He has also given financial support to the Mysore Race Club to hold major races. These include the Mysore Derby and the Zavare Poonawalla Indian Invitation Cup. Other well-known races named in connection with his support are the 1,000 Guineas, the 2,000 Guineas and the St Leger.

The aim of this support is to keep racing activity going, and also to help those whose livelihoods depend on the industry: jockeys, trainers, stable staff and other racing professionals.

Poonawalla's focus now is on efforts to reopen the historic Madras racecourse. The initiative is part of a larger aim of helping race clubs in financial distress and preventing racing institutions across the country from closing down.

Another stated goal is to strengthen Indian horse racing and improve its standing internationally.

The honour at the TAI Racing Excellence Awards comes at a time when people associated with the sport are trying to maintain racing infrastructure, support race clubs and protect the sport's established institutions in India.