Why you should head to the to the racecourse

The McDowell Signature Indian Derby kicks off on April 11. WHAT's ON tells you what's in the offing this year

It will be hot this McDowell Signature Indian Derby 2009 but don't blame those backless dresses. The mercury is expected to soar mid-April and the Derby to be run at the Mahalakshmi racecourse on April 12 is gearing up to attract crowds with some heat-battling measures.

At a press conference held yesterday at the Mahalakshmi lawns, Dr Vijay Mallya kept a sweltering media waiting for two hours. Punters though may not be in danger of wilting away during Derby Day. Dr Mallya has promised a specially designed 9,000 square feet air-conditioned "hangar" (airline lingo here maybe to reinforce the Kingfisher Airlines message) for members. Die-hard bettors can lighten their wallet at the betting windows, for the Derby debutante there is going to be a flea market on the turf lawns and a hat stall to ensure you keep a cool head.u00a0

This time too, both Saturday, April 11 and Sunday April 12 are being clubbed together as Derby weekend. While the race prize purse is pegged at Rs 1.75 crore with Rs 1 crore going to the winner, it is not just the stakes that are very high. In fact, a tall and handsome something promises to stir things up (quite literally) and give you that high this weekend. A green apple 'n' whisky cocktail named after Mallya's horse, Saddle Up is being touted as the drink for the Derby and it will be available on both days. Ballet and salsa performances will also have punters shakin' a leg.

On: April 12, 2009 at the Mahalakshmi Race Course. Derby Weekend: Carnival begins on April 11 and April 12. Race time: 5 pm or 5.30 pm (The Royal Western India Turf Club will decide the exact time next week). Entrance: Rs 250 for members' enclosure; Rs 20 for public enclosure.