RCTC Monsoon Meeting 2025 Set to Begin with Thrilling Opening Day Card
The Calcutta Monsoon Meeting 2025 is set to begin on Tuesday, July 29, as the Royal Calcutta Turf Club (RCTC) launches its annual season under the city’s dramatic monsoon skies. One of Indian racing’s most atmospheric events, the RCTC Monsoon Meeting is slated to feature 61 races, including 15 Cup events, over two months of intense turf action. From maiden hopefuls to proven campaigners, the stage is set for familiar rivalries and fresh breakthroughs at Kolkata’s iconic venue.
RCTC Monsoon Meeting promises turf drama and Cup clashes through the season
Each monsoon brings its own flavor—yielding turf, form reversals, and late challengers. The RCTC Monsoon Meeting has long been celebrated for producing close finishes and elevating dark horses into the spotlight. Tuesday’s opening day card offers a fitting curtain-raiser: seven competitive races across ratings bands and age groups, capped by the Tenno Sho Cup, a feature sprint for seasoned performers.
The day opens with The Mercury Handicap at 2:00 pm, a 1200-metre Class V sprint for horses rated 1-26. Dancing Queen, partnered by apprentice Ankush, will try to dictate terms early from an inside draw, but she faces a determined group. Paulite Warrior (Arul J H), Lahina (Nikhil Naidu), Yuvi (Md Azharuddin), and MSG Fantasy (A Ashhad Asbar) are all well-matched, while City of Joy and Tootsie Darling add further complexity to a highly tactical race.
Next up is The Great Tribute Plate, a high-purse 1100m test exclusively for maiden 3-year-olds. Cortado, to be ridden by P Trevor, is expected to set the pace, but Astral Gold (A Ashhad Asbar), Global Fashion (Hindu Singh), and Midnight Star (Arul J H) offer solid opposition. Zalia rounds out a tight five-horse field where early speed and gate position will prove decisive.
The Pentagon Handicap at 3:00 pm—an 1100m race for horses rated 21-46 and restricted to Indian jockeys—features nine entrants. Lavish Girl (Hindu Singh), Wonderful (Md Imran), and Sea of Charm (Vinay Jaiswal) bring tactical variety, while Impressive Annie (P Trevor) and Kerrygold (Neeraj Rawal) could stalk and strike. Dubai King, N R I Fantasy, and Sporting Trainer bring up the rear with strong claims in a truly open sprint.
In The State Treasure Handicap, another 1200m event for the same class, nine runners line up once more. Oh My Darling (Md Sameer) and Zambezi (R Vaibhav) may set the fractions early. Victoria Cross (Neeraj Rawal) and Cashalaika (P Tejeshwar) will likely stalk the leaders, while Flow Me (R S Bhati), Falconbridge (Shrikant Kamble), and Jean Lafette eye a powerful finish.
The spotlight will fall on the fifth race, The Tenno Sho Cup, scheduled for 4:00 pm. Open to horses rated 81 and above, this is Tuesday’s feature contest. Blackstone (Shrikant Kamble) looks set to go forward, while King’s Retreat (R Vaibhav) and Dubai Princess (P Trevor) offer serious credentials. Buckley (P Tejeshwar), Clifford (Vishal Bunde), and Supreme Grandeur (Hindu Singh) are others who can’t be ignored in what promises to be a testing affair for even the best.
The final two races, both divisions of The Mountain Lily Handicap, wrap up the day. Division I features Mathangi (A Ashhad Asbar) and Dragon’s Gold (Sonu Mishra) as early leaders, but Natural Grace, Seasmoke, and Brave Majesty remain in the hunt. Division II is reserved for 3-year-olds, headlined by Dali Swirl (Md Imran) and Blinky Bill (Nikhil Naidu), with Wordsmith (A Ashhad Asbar), Light The World (P Trevor), and Madras Cheque joining a high-calibre field that could throw up a surprise late.
With the RCTC Monsoon Meeting now underway, racing fans can expect weeks of closely-fought duels, Cup showdowns, and fresh narratives from one of India’s most beloved turf theatres. Read more about Calcutta Monsoon Meeting and stay tuned as the season unfolds.
For live updates, racecards, and results, visit the official RCTC website at www.rctconline.com.
