The Royal Calcutta Turf Club Monsoon Derby takes center stage on Sunday, September 28, 2025, as RCTC rolls out its 10th day of the Monsoon Meeting. An 11-race marathon awaits, with the Calcutta Monsoon Derby (Grade II) and the prestigious Monsoon Cup anchoring the card. The afternoon promises a blend of classic stamina tests and sharp handicaps across the historic racecourse.
Early Handicaps Set the Rhythm
The curtain rises at 12:00 pm with the Bold Display Handicap, a 1100-meter sprint where Epic Play, NRI Fantasy, and the intriguingly named I Smell the Danger will clash. By 12:30 pm, attention shifts to the Tenno Sho Cup, a 1200-meter dash for seasoned Class I sprinters, drawing Black Eagle, King’s Retreat, Clifford, Raffaello, and the accomplished Supreme Grandeur.
Momentum continues at 1:00 pm with the Shivalik Showers Cup, another sharp 1100-meter test featuring Celtic Harlequin, Nautica, and Lord Vader. Soon after, the two divisions of the Elistano Handicap follow: Division I at 1:30 pm with Three Little Words, City of Joy, and Dance Along, while Division II at 2:00 pm highlights Enola Holmes and Only Dreams, including many accomplished contenders in a wide-open affair.
Middle Card Heats Up
The action resumes at 2:30 pm with the Mountain Lily Handicap, a tactical 1400-meter battle where Neeraj Rawal partners Natural Grace and P. Trevor takes Zuri, opposed by Norwegian Wood and Rodrigo.
At 3:00 pm, the Free Energy Handicap lines up King of Mafia, Great Guns, Bharat, Stormy Ocean, and Watch My Stride in another tightly matched 1400-meter contest.
The Prestige Races: Monsoon Cup and Derby
The feature races arrive in quick succession. At 3:30 pm, the Monsoon Cup over 2000 meters—one of Kolkata’s crown jewels—offers ₹18.75 lakh in prize money. High Command (P. Trevor) heads the field, joined by Third Avenue, Vincent Van Gogh, Chopin, and Sativur in what promises to be a fascinating contest.
Half an hour later, at 4:00 pm, the stage belongs to the Calcutta Monsoon Derby (2025) Grade II. Worth more than ₹55 lakh, this 2000-meter classic showcases Cortado, Dubai Safari, Gold Empire, Goodwill, Racing Ruler, and Togo. Long a proving ground for champions, the Derby is expected to provide a stern test of class and stamina.
Closing Contests Bring Intrigue
The day winds down with two divisions of the Ascriptive Handicap, both over 1600 meters. Division I goes off at 4:30 pm, featuring Polka Dot under Trevor against Voice of a Dream and Sporting Trainer. The finale, Division II, is slate for 5:00 pm, pitting Queen of Mafia against Oh My Darling, Toussaint, and Keitaro in what should be a competitive closer.
Looking Ahead
With racing spanning from noon until dusk, the Royal Calcutta Turf Club Monsoon Derby raceday promises spectacle at every turn. From the early handicaps to the twin highlights of the Monsoon Cup and Derby, it’s a program that captures the essence of Indian racing at its finest.
For further insight, explore our Bangalore Summer Derby Preview and Pune Hindu Trophy Preview on RaceBuzz.
