The Royal Calcutta Turf Club returns to the spotlight as it gears up for one of the most anticipated events in the Indian racing calendar, the Calcutta Monsoon Derby 2025. Following the conclusion of the last racing day on 20th September, excitement has been steadily building among racing enthusiasts, owners, trainers, and punters alike. The Derby, scheduled for Sunday, 28th September, promises not only a thrilling spectacle on the track but also a celebration of the finest three-year-old thoroughbreds in the country. With the city’s iconic racecourse set against the backdrop of monsoon-kissed greenery, the atmosphere is primed for an unforgettable day of speed, stamina, and equestrian artistry.
With the thunder of hooves set to echo at 4:00 PM, the Grade II 2000-meter classic will bring together the best of India’s rising three-year-old thoroughbreds, ridden by the nation’s leading jockeys, all in pursuit of glory under the monsoon sky.
The race day begins at noon with the Bold Display Handicap and steadily builds through a program that includes the Tenno Sho Cup, the Shivalik Showers Cup, and the Monsoon Cup. Each contest will capture attention in its own right, yet all serve as a crescendo towards the feature event of the afternoon—the Calcutta Monsoon Derby 2025. With a total purse of Rs.55,76,250 and Rs.33,45,750 reserved for the winner, the stakes are as much about prestige as they are about the prize money. The Royal Calcutta Turf Club Trophy, valued at Rs.75,000, adds tradition to the occasion, making the Derby the heartbeat of the tenth day of the monsoon meeting.
This year’s Derby field is a rich blend of stamina, pedigree, and ambition. Among the confirmed runners, Eleanora, to be partnered by Suraj Narredu, has attracted keen attention. Carrying 54.5 kg, she has already shown staying potential and will relish the 2000-meter test. Her balance of tactical speed and determination makes her one of the leading contenders to etch her name into Derby history.
Close on her heels is Heart, a filly of proven class, entrusted to the calm and tactical brilliance of P Trevor. Carrying the same impost of 54.5 kg, Heart has demonstrated both consistency and finishing strength. The Trevor–Heart partnership is certain to draw the gaze of racing purists, their performance a storyline to follow stride by stride.
Racing Ruler, guided by A Sandesh, enters with the highest rating in the field. His 2000-meter journey will be a genuine test of grit, but if Sandesh can position him well early, Racing Ruler has every chance to dominate the closing stages and reaffirm his place among the country’s elite three-year-olds.
Dubai Safari, paired with A Ashhad Asbar, offers an intriguing narrative. Though not as widely tipped as some rivals, his capacity to accelerate late could see him spring a surprise if the leaders tire. Similarly, Gold Empire, ridden by Yash Narredu, brings a combination of style and stamina that could tilt the scales in his favor with a smooth passage in the stretch.
Sanaya with Vivek G and Shine with Antony Raj S represent the less-experienced brigade but carry the potential to trouble the established names. Both have shown glimpses of talent, and under Derby-day pressure, a breakout run would not be unexpected. Meanwhile, Galway Girl, with Vishal Bunde in the irons, adds another layer of intrigue, while Arabeska, paired with Akshay Kumar, could capitalize if the race unfolds to suit her late kick.
Not to be overlooked is Goodwill, piloted by Neeraj Rawal. Though arriving with a lighter profile, his trainer’s confidence in targeting this Derby suggests hidden reserves of stamina. And then there is Cortado, with R Vaibhav in the saddle, a runner who could carve out an early lead and set the pace, testing the staying credentials of the entire field.
Every Derby is as much about riders as it is about horses. Suraj Narredu’s familiarity with the Calcutta track, P Trevor’s cool hands under pressure, A Sandesh’s aggressive style, and Akshay Kumar’s tactical patience promise a clash of riding philosophies. Add in the experience of Neeraj Rawal and the steady rise of S Antony Raj, and the result is a field where talent runs as deep in the saddle as it does in the paddock.
The Calcutta Monsoon Derby has long been more than just a race. It is the embodiment of preparation, breeding, and ambition, months of hard work culminating in two minutes of high drama. Past editions have delivered breath taking finishes and unexpected champions, and the 2025 renewal promises nothing less. With the stands alive in anticipation, the Derby unites racing’s old guard and new admirers in a celebration of athleticism, strategy, and equestrian grace.
While the Derby steals the limelight, the undercard offers its share of excitement. The Monsoon Cup at 3:30 PM, open to seasoned four-year-olds and above, serves as a perfect prelude with its Rs.18,75,000 stakes. Earlier, contests such as the Tenno Sho Cup and Free Energy Handicap will showcase the speedsters and middle-distance specialists. By the time the Derby runners step out, the atmosphere at the Kolkata racecourse will be at a fever pitch, blending competition with celebration.
As the clock strikes 4:00 PM and the gates fly open, twenty-first century Kolkata will pause to witness another chapter in the storied saga of the Calcutta Monsoon Derby 2025. Whether it is Eleanora’s poise, Heart’s resilience, or Racing Ruler’s power that captures the crown, one truth will remain constant: Derby Day at the Royal Calcutta Turf Club is a festival of speed, stamina, and tradition that continues to define Indian horse racing.
The 28th September Derby day at the Royal Calcutta Turf Club is a reminder of why Calcutta remains a central hub of Indian horse racing. From early sprints to the grandeur of the Derby, every race is a story, every finish line a moment of triumph or heartbreak.
With total purses in the millions and the city’s racing fraternity in full attendance, this event underscores the elegance, excitement, and enduring passion for horseracing in India. Fans can expect a day brimming with thrills, social camaraderie, and a chance to witness the next generation of champions rise to prominence under the monsoon sky, making the Calcutta Monsoon Derby 2025 a date to remember in the racing calendar.
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