Zavaray S. Poonawalla named 'Legend of Indian Horse Racing' at TAI Racing Excellence Awards

Zavaray S. Poonawalla was presented the 'Legend of Indian Horse Racing' award at the Turf Authorities of India (TAI) Racing Excellence Awards ceremony held in Mysuru on Saturday (Oct. 24).

The honour recognised his sustained contribution to the sport and his efforts to support its growth across the country. The Poonawalla family’s association with thoroughbred breeding and racing was noted during the ceremony for its role in the development of Indian racing. TAI also honoured Cyrus S. Poonawalla with an award for his outstanding contribution; Cyrus had recently received the 'Outstanding Contribution Award' from the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities. In a separate acknowledgement, TAI posthumously inducted the late H.H. Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar into its Hall of Fame, with the award received by H.H. Pramoda Devi Wadiyar.

TAI announced its outstanding performers for the season, naming Ameeta Mehra as Champion owner, Pesi Shroff as Champion trainer, P. Trevor as Champion jockey and Ranquelino as Champion horse of the year.

The Champion stud farm award went to Poonawalla Group of Stud Farms; the group was represented at the ceremony by Cyrus S. Poonawalla, Zavaray S. Poonawalla and Simone Poonawalla Pandole.

Mysore Race Club chairman K.T. Balakrishnan presented awards at the event, including to Zavaray S. Poonawalla and to Cyrus S. Poonawalla for his outstanding contribution to the sport.

Photographs of the presentation carried with the coverage were credited to M.A. Sriram. The report on the TAI Racing Excellence Awards was published on October 25, 2026.