MUMBAI: India’s most sought-after horse racing event, the McDowell’s Signature Derby was a day of high fashion, which saw the city’s creme-de-la-creme converge at the Mahalaxmi Race Course, to soak in the sun, and bet on their favourite steeds.

Among the city’s swish set, we spotted Bollywood starlets Aditi Rao Hydari and Sherlyn Chopra, enjoying a sunny day at the races, dressed in (what they thought was) their Sunday best. Aditi in her white and gold sequined and embroidered dress was perhaps a tad bit much for the sophisticated event. Still, she managed to look pretty and polished enough for the stylish soiree. In comparison, Sherlyn wore a very blah black and white number, which she paired with outdated shades; surely her stylist could have done better!

In short, neither of the two Bollywood girls got it right, at Day 2 of the derby. Where there was a sea of high-street fashion, with women from the upper echelons of Mumbai society donned their very best for a day at the races. Exquisite hats and stunning dresses, well-heeled feet in Manolo and Jimmy Choo’s ruled the stands.

The races started at noon on Sunday, and there were fashion shows by acclaimed designers Rocky S and Pria Kataria Puri, to keep the ladies entertained. There were also magic and martial arts shows, and famous Hollywood artist Scott Barnes performed makeovers on a few of the page-3 ladies.