On New Year’s Day, the Royal Calcutta Turf Club once again hosted the city’s annual horse racing spectacle, drawing a diverse crowd of 15,000 — from racing elites to local enthusiasts. Beneath a radiant sun promising warmth, January 1, 2024, commenced with anticipation, gradually embracing a subtle winter chill that brought a seasonal ambience over the proceedings.
With a total of seven exhilarating races on the agenda, the turf witnessed the thundering hooves and competitive spirits of both seasoned contenders and rising stars. The turnout was remarkable, with nearly 5,000 attendees converging at the iconic venue, creating a lively and dynamic backdrop for the day’s racing spectacle.
Jones, an Anglo-Indian art dealer and owner of Victor Brothers antique shop on Park Street, comes from a racing background with brothers-in-law who are jockeys. According to him, success in Indian racecourses boils down to connections, indicating whether someone is actively involved with their horse. He stressed that this principle applies universally, from notable figures like the Poonawalas to the community in Kolkata.
Racing to the top
The racing day buzzed with community spirit, uniting enthusiasts in the thrilling spectacle of horse racing
In the first race of the day, The Obelensky Handicap, A.K. Aniket secured victory riding Lucky Nine, while Neeraj Rawal claimed the 2200-metre JSK1 RCTC Gold Vase on Euphoric.
Javed Khan, a veteran trainer for 39 years in Kolkata, had one horse (Toussaint) in the third race, The Amrit Cement Cup. Reflecting on his unconventional profession, Mr. Khan described the unique journey aspiring trainers take — from learning and working under established trainers to becoming an assistant trainer and eventually obtaining a licence to become a trainer.
Pradeep Bagla (extreme right), the managing director of Amrit Cement, sponsored the third race, The Amrit Cement Cup, marking his first cup sponsorship, and (right) one of the trophies
Pradeep Bagla, the managing director of Amrit Cement and co-owner of Toussaint, sponsored the third race, marking his debut sponsorship of a cup. In his first venture as a horse owner, Bagla expressed his newfound passion for racing, finding it both interesting and glamorous. “My involvement is solely driven by my love for the sport and a desire to support the racing community,” he said. When prompted that this was on his bucket list, he chuckled in agreement.
S. Saqlain emerged as the winner, riding Oh My Darling in this race. In the JSK1 Best Odds Cup, the fourth race of the day, Saqlain claimed victory on Black Coffee, securing his second win.
Horse racing at the Kolkata race course embodied the essence of speed, excitement, and strategic anticipation at the New Year’s Day races
The Safari Handicap, the fifth race of the day, featured seven horses. The crowd favourite Good Tip (belonging to the Poonawala stable) garnered attention, while placement bets were predominantly directed towards horses two (Archway) and six (Eastside). As betting enthusiasts anticipated the outcome, the race culminated with the glorious yellow-coloured Power of Thea, ridden by jockey R. Manish, emerging as the victorious contender. Betting in horse racing adds an extra layer of excitement as spectators strategically engage in predicting the race’s outcome.
Vikram Bachhawat, whose horse Bellator competed in the final race, has over 30 years of experience and owns horses stationed nationwide, from Mumbai and Mysore, to Chennai and Bengaluru. He expressed that the allure of excitement, speed, and passion initially drew him into racing, viewing it as a true passion project. Despite the high maintenance costs and comparatively modest returns, he remains dedicated to the sport for its intrinsic value.
P. Trevor clinched victory astride the elegant Lady Sunshine
P. Trevor secured victory riding Lady Sunshine in the sixth race, The JSK1 Indian Produce Stakes, which boasts the highest winning prize of the day at Rs 9,22,500 and a trophy value of Rs 40,000.
Tollywood actress and Member of Parliament, Nusrat Jahan, awarded the trophy for the final race, the JSK1 Play and Win Cup
The final race of the day concluded with Neeraj Rawal securing victory riding White Roses. Bengali cinema actor and Member of Parliament Nusrat Jahan arrived just in time to witness the final race and present the trophy to the winner.
Steeds and style
The racing day was adorned with a sophisticated display of fashion, where classic racing hats and chic attire adorned the vibrant crowd
The racing event featured a vibrant crowd adorned in classic racing hats and chic attire, adding a touch of sophistication to the atmosphere. Within the club, 6 Ballygunge Place dished up some delightful food, enhancing the experience with their delectable treats — including Continental fare like salads and custards, and north Indian tandoori dishes — that perfectly complemented the ethos.
RCTC seamlessly blended tradition, competition, and community spirit, channelling the city's racing passion with exhilarating speed
As the sun peaked, bottles of beer were joyously downed. On the grounds, a variety of food stalls catered to diverse tastes, transitioning into a lively DJ and dance floor for a New Year’s party in the evening after the races concluded. Blending tradition, competition, and community spirit, RCTC encapsulated the city’s racing fervour on the first day of 2024.
