Mahalaxmi Racecourse

Mumbai is the city of dreamers and hard-laborers. It is also a city of lavish structures and heritage buildings. It is the financial capital and the commercial hub of India. The pulse point of the country, Mumbai also has the most prolific film industry.

The heart of the city contains grandest colonial-era architecture, hidden temples, hipster enclaves, and premier nightlife. Mahalaxmi Race Course is one of the best racecourses in India that makes it one of the most popular places to visit, especially by the rich section of the society.

The horse racing track in Mumbai is Mahalaxmi Race Course. It is a racecourse that was donated by Sir Cusrow N Wadia and now is on lease to Royal Western India Turf Club by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai.

Quick History

Mahalaxmi race course was built in 1883 in the heart of Mumbai city. The racing track is oval-shaped with 2,400 meters (7,874 ft.) and is spread over approximately 225 acres. It is designed on the model of Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne. For civilians of South Mumbai, the racecourse has the only helipad open.

India boasts Mahalaxmi Race course that is considered to be one of the greatest circuits in Asia. The Grandstand in racecourse is one of the heritage structures of India. This is the only place where people can bet on horses and gamble. The racecourse games that are conducted from November to April are attended by celebrities, actors, business tycoons, and other people that belong to the upper strata of the society.

Major Racing Events

1,000 Guineas, 2,000 Guineas, the Oaks, the Derby, and St Leger are the five Indian races that are held in Mahalaxmi race course. The Great Indian Derby is held in February only and is quite a major event that is attended by many tourists. The membership charges for Mahalaxmi race course amount to ₹500,000.

Intricate Structure

This racecourse is housed in the center of Mumbai city facing the Arabian Sea. It is the second oldest racecourse after Kolkata’s. The intricate architectural structures date back to the 1880s and have a lot of historical significance. The largest open space in South Mumbai, Mahalaxmi Race course is considered as the lungs of the city as it has a lot of greenery.

The stands, lawns, central portion, stable area, and working tracks are the various areas of the racecourse. Many musical concerts with international artists such as Ed Sheeran and Chainsmokers have been conducted here. The widely spread lawns inside the racecourse are used for carrying out weddings, parties, and other special occasions and can house over 1,500 to 2,000 people.

Functions Open to Public

For those of you looking for a place to hang out in Mumbai, Mahalaxmi Race Course, Mumbai provides a memorable experience. The locals in Mumbai also have access to this lavish racecourse in the mornings and evenings. There are specific timings for walking, jogging, and exercising. In the gardens of the racecourse, yoga sessions are also conducted.

A 2.2 km (1.4mi) dirt track is also present for running. In the vicinity of Derby horses, there is a nice green inside the track. This track has no admission charge and is open to people for running from 5 AM to 9 AM and 4 PM to 8 PM. this track is one of the most unique spots for running.

Surrounded Places to Eat

There are many famous and nice restaurants and bars where you can hang out at. With top-notch events going on in the racecourse, you can enjoy the delicate and exquisite food there. Gallops is a famous restaurant located near the racecourse with a beautiful green expanse of land. Here the menu is limited with items such as omelette, masala chai, etc. But the real reason why this place is quite popular is the view and calmness it provides.

The Unnamed Breakfast Place next to Gallops serves a delectable and affordable menu. The ‘Tot on Turf’ bar and restaurant is also close to the racecourse and you can enjoy amazing local food and drinks there. Keiba is also a very good go-to spot near Mahalaxmi Race Course where you can find a delicious and authentic meal followed by a fun time in the night at the bar. You can try out the relishing dim sum, crispy Cheung fun, maki rolls, and sashimi.

Social Events You Can Get

Weddings are also organized in Mahalaxmi Race Course for those who want to plan their weddings in a nice location. Here in-house caterings and in-house vendors for decorations are available. The outside DJ facilities, Barat and other services are also provided. Mahalaxmi Race Course is also suited for office parties, cocktail parties, engagements, birthdays, baby showers, corporate events, anniversary, and get-togethers. If you’re in Mumbai for more than a week, you can take riding classes at Amateur Riders' Club in Mahalaxmi race course.

There are other interesting and happening spots in the area of Mahalaxmi Race Course such as National Sports Club of India, Nehru Centre Art Gallery and Science Center. You can also combine your trip with Worli Sea Face Run that is only 2 km (1.2mi) from the racecourse.

Travel Tips while Planning for Mahalaxmi Race Course

• Find out about the expected way of dressing if you’re visiting the VIP enclosure. The dress code for gentlemen is suit or safari or a full-sleeve shirt with tie or blazer. The ladies can wear anything except beachwear, but if you’re planning to visit the public enclosure, no specific dress is required. For taking seminars, you have to inquire in advance about it.

• For entry in Mahalaxmi Race Course, you can check for the online bookings or contact the related authorities. For VIP enclosures the ticket is ₹350. And for public enclosures, the ticket details for the racecourse is ₹30.

How to reach Mahalaxmi Race Course?

• By Air: the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is the closest and you can hire an auto or taxi to reach the racing ground.

• By Train: To reach Mahalaxmi Race Course, you can take the closest railway station that is Mahalaxmi Railway Station. It is situated on the Western Line and trains starting from Churchgate pass through this railway station.

See more about Mumbai Local Trains

• By Bus: If you’re travelling to Mahalaxmi Racecourse by bus, you can take the bus number 661 from Mumbai Central Railway Station West. The bus drops passengers at Mahalaxmi Station and from there, the race course is situated at walkable distance. Tourists coming from Colaba can take bus 124. Bus number 351 (Mumbai Central Depot to Tata Power Station) and 77 (J Mehta Marg to Wadala Depot) also pass through Mahalaxmi Station. By bus, it only takes less than an hour from any of these locations.