Sculptor Akhil Chandra Das creates original bronze trophy to be awarded to race winner
Mumbai | April 1, 2025:
In a landmark moment that blends the worlds of contemporary art and equestrian sport, Aakriti Art Gallery, in association with Chisel Crafts Pvt. Ltd., is proud to present an original bronze sculpture by Akhil Chandra Das as the winner’s trophy for the Aakriti Art Gallery Million—a featured race at the Indian Racing Carnival hosted by the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
This marks the first time in RWITC’s history that a winning horse will be awarded a bespoke, artist-created sculpture, ushering in a new era of art-meets-sport innovation. The initiative reinforces Aakriti Art Gallery’s longstanding commitment to promoting Indian contemporary art beyond conventional platforms.
Speaking on the collaboration, Vikram Bachhawat, Director of Aakriti Art Gallery, said:
“We’ve always believed that art has the power to transcend its usual spaces. By presenting an original sculpture as a trophy, we celebrate not just victory on the turf, but the spirit of creativity, endurance, and cultural richness that both art and racing share.”
The trophy, conceived and executed by acclaimed sculptor Akhil Chandra Das, features a striking bronze figure bearing a radiant disc—symbolizing strength, triumph, and resilience. The work exemplifies Das’s mastery of material and metaphor, making the trophy not just a symbol of success, but a collectible work of fine art.
This initiative follows earlier efforts by the Bachhawat Foundation to integrate art into equestrian events, notably the much-lauded “Art Race Day” at the Royal Calcutta Turf Club in 2014 and 2017. With the Indian Racing Carnival drawing top owners, jockeys, and horses from across the country, the inclusion of a sculptural trophy adds a distinctive cultural dimension to the weekend’s celebrations.
About Aakriti Art Gallery
Established in 2005, Aakriti Art Gallery is one of India’s leading spaces for contemporary and modern Indian art. With a strong curatorial vision and an inclusive platform for established and emerging artists, the gallery is committed to fostering meaningful engagement with visual culture across India and beyond.
