The Royal Calcutta Turf Club (RCTC) Races open their October season this Thursday, 23 October, with a rich six-race card promising thrilling competition and fine weather over the Calcutta turf. The first day’s program stretches from quickfire 1100-metre sprints to a testing 1600-metre mile, with prize purses ranging between ₹3,00,000 and ₹5,50,000. Trainers from across India — including Javed Khan, Rutherford Alford, and Neil Darashah — have declared strong entries, while top jockeys such as Suraj Narredu, Imran Chisty, R. Vaibhav, and Akshay Kumar add to the star quotient.
The Star Magic Handicap — 1:45 PM | 1100m | 1–26 | ₹3,00,000
The season opener, The Star Magic Handicap, sets the tone with a seven-horse field ready to test early-season sprinting form.
Among them, Jamaica, trained by Javed Khan with R. Vaibhav aboard, has shown early pace in trackwork and looks a lively contender. Macchiato, under Md. Imran for Sabeel Shariff, could make his presence felt if he breaks sharply. Mahlagha (Varun, Vikash Jaiswal), Horus the Great (Vishal N. Bunde, Sabeel Shariff), and Mogambo (Hasib Alam, Shafiq Khan) form a balanced middle order. The southern challenger Artemis Zelda (Prashanth Thapa, Neil Darashah) brings freshness, while Diamond Gold (Imran Chisty, Rutherford Alford) represents steady local form.
Expect a fierce contest down the straight as speedsters aim to draw first blood of the season.
The Comedy of Errors Handicap — 2:15 PM | 1400m | 1–26 | ₹3,00,000
The second event, The Comedy of Errors Handicap, provides the first real middle-distance test of the afternoon. Mohsin, guided by Imran Chisty for Rutherford Alford, carries consistent form and could dictate the pace. Amalfitana (Shezad Khan, B. Rajender Reddy) and Dancing Queen (Varun, Vikash Jaiswal) have both shaped well in recent gallops. The ever-game Soul Aquarian (R. Vaibhav, Javed Khan) steps up confidently, while Aretha (Md. Azharuddin, Rutherford Alford) and Lahina (Vinay Jaiswal, Sabeel Shariff) are not to be dismissed. Just Dash (Prashanth Thapa, Neil Darashah) and Lineup and Collect (Vishal N. Bunde, Sabeel Shariff) round off a large and competitive field where tactics could prove decisive in the final furlong.
The Starry Flag Handicap — 2:45 PM | 1400m | 21–46 | ₹4,00,000
The afternoon gathers pace with The Starry Flag Handicap, a 1400-metre contest for the progressive set. Dance Along, ridden by Suraj Narredu and trained by Rajesh Narredu, looks the one to beat on ratings and form. However, Voice of a Dream (Arman Khan, Rutherford Alford) and stablemate Keitaro (Imran Chisty, Rutherford Alford) lend strong support to the Alford yard’s ambitions. Sporting Trainer (Varun, Vikash Jaiswal) and Spirit Bay (R.S. Bhati, Vikash Jaiswal) both look fit and ready for the new term. Jean Lafette (R. Vaibhav, B. Mahesh) could surprise if the race turns tactical, while The Presence (Vinay Jaiswal, Shafiq Khan) and Venenzo (Hasib Alam, B. Rajender Reddy) add further depth to what might prove the most evenly matched race of the day.
The Darling Don Handicap — 3:15 PM | 1100m | 41–66 | ₹5,00,000
The fourth race, The Darling Don Handicap, introduces the sharper, higher-rated sprinters. Lord Vader (Md. Imran, B. Mahesh) headlines the lineup after consistent efforts last term. Tycoonist (Chethan Gowda, Neil Darashah) will attempt to chase him down early, while Kay Star (Imran Chisty, Rutherford Alford) and Light the World (R. Vaibhav, Aashay Doctor) both have winning credentials over this trip. The strong-finishing Rodrigo (Shezad Khan, B. Rajender Reddy) and Aldila (Arman Khan, Rutherford Alford) give the field southern flair, with Fresh Hope (R.S. Bhati, B. Rajender Reddy) and Sabar (Akshay Kumar, Aashay Doctor) ensuring there’ll be no easy passage to victory.
This race, with ₹5,00,000 on offer, should produce one of the day’s quickest finishes.
The Aazish Cup — 3:45 PM | 1600m | 61–86 | ₹5,50,000
The headline attraction, The Aazish Cup, brings together a compact yet high-class field for the mile event. Great Guns (R. Vaibhav, Aashay Doctor) leads the market after a string of strong performances in the summer campaign. Stormy Ocean (Md. Azharuddin, Rutherford Alford) carries stamina and consistency, while Snowpiercer (Suraj Narredu, Patrick Quinn) adds southern excellence and raw finishing power. Watch My Stride (Vinay Jaiswal, Sabeel Shariff) may relish the longer trip, and Natural Grace (Akshay Kumar, Neil Darashah) adds quality depth.
It’s a classic test of staying ability, and a true highlight worthy of the club’s rich heritage.
The Bold Chieftan Handicap — 4:15 PM | 1100m | 21–46 | ₹4,00,000
The day concludes with The Bold Chieftan Handicap, another high-octane 1100-metre sprint featuring eight contenders. The Sabeel Shariff yard holds a strong hand with Bundle of Charm (Md. Imran), Cashmere Silk (Nikhil Naidu), and City of Joy (Vishal N. Bunde). Honey Cake (Md. Azharuddin, Shyam S. Habbu) and Oishika (R.S. Bhati, Shyam S. Habbu) return after solid seasonal prep. Tres Bien (R. Vaibhav, Javed Khan) could make the closing stages highly competitive.
A fast track and close margins are likely as the sun sets on the first afternoon of the Royal Calcutta Turf Club Races.
Few venues capture racing’s nostalgia like the Royal Calcutta Turf Club — its grandstand, the echoing calls of the paddock, and the anticipation as gates clang open. Thursday’s six-race card blends promise and tradition, showcasing how Indian racing continues to evolve under one of its oldest institutions.
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