The Kolkata race result 23 January delivered an early talking point as Blaze In Blue set the tone for Friday’s action at the Winter Meeting with a decisive performance in the opener.
Race 1, The Ophion Handicap, a Class V contest for horses rated 1–26, was run over 1200 metres at 01:30 PM on Friday, 23 January 2026, and it was Blaze In Blue who emerged best of the bunch. Ridden with confidence by Nikhil Naidu and trained by Vijay Singh, the winner showed sharp early pace and control to land the spoils for owners Mrs Sharon Singh & Mrs Priya Bachhawat, representing M/s Bachhawat Farms Pvt Ltd.
From the gates, Blaze In Blue was quickly into stride, settling prominently as the field sorted itself out down the backstretch. Naidu kept his mount balanced and within striking distance before asking for an effort approaching the final furlong. The response was immediate, with Blaze In Blue quickening smartly to assert command and hold sway all the way to the line.
Lahina finished second under MD Azharuddin for trainer Sabeel Shariff, staying on gamely but unable to bridge the decisive gap in the closing stages. Mountain Gold, partnered by Hindu Singh and trained by Dr Anil Kumar, ran on steadily to claim third, completing the frame in a competitive opening heat. Official timings for the placed runners were not announced at the time of reporting.
With the first result in the books, attention now turns to the Aggregated Plate, scheduled for 02:00 PM, as the Kolkata card builds toward an absorbing afternoon of winter racing.
Stay tuned to RaceBuzz as the Kolkata Winter Meeting action continues.