The competitive tempo of the CALCUTTA RACES, SPRING MEETING – First Day, Saturday, 7th February, 2026 continued to peak with Race No. 7, The Mamma’s Mink Handicap Division II, a Class IV contest for horses rated 21–46 (rated 1–26 eligible) run over 1400 metres at 5:00 PM. Adding further intrigue to the Kolkata race results 7 February narrative, Banduk Wali produced a gutsy effort to score for trainer Rutherford Alford, with Vishal N. Bunde executing a well-judged ride. Racing in the silks of Ms Cherie Sports Pvt. Ltd, the winner held firm to clock 1:26.236, emerging on top in a blanket finish.
Settled comfortably through the early exchanges, Banduk Wali travelled with purpose as the pace lifted approaching the home turn. Asked to quicken in the straight, the response was immediate, digging deep under pressure to repel all challengers and assert authority right on the wire.
The runner-up was Amaze And Inspire (J: P. Trevor, T: Shyam S. Habbu), who made a sustained bid and finished agonisingly close in 1:26.263, while Rosalia (J: M. S. Deora, T: Arti Doctor) stayed on strongly to take third in 1:26.347, underlining the competitiveness of the finish.
Earlier in the afternoon, the Spring Meeting opened with Godsend Divine (J: Sah Farid Ansari, T: Rutherford Alford) striking in Race 1, The Contralto Handicap (1100m, 2:00 PM) for Mrs G. Alford & Others, ahead of A Wink And A Smile and Diamond Gold. Race 2, The Philippines Cup (1600m, 2:30 PM) saw Mindful (J: Suraj Narredu, T: Deepesh Narredu) deliver a polished performance for Mrs B. E. Saldanha & Others, with Aeropoli and Zarak filling the minor placings. Speed was the order of the day in Race 3, The Ich Dien Handicap (1100m, 3:00 PM) as Merlet (J: Imran Chisty, T: S. Waheed) scored for Green Turf Racing LLP & Others, while Lavish Girl and Cortado chased home the winner.
The momentum carried into Race 4, The Green Sari Handicap (1400m, 3:30 PM) where Xanthe (J: P. Trevor, T: S. S. Attaollahi) prevailed for Mr C. Aryama Sundaram, edging out Cash N Run and Victorious Omen. Staying power took centre stage in Race 5, The Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Cup (Grade III, 2400m, 4:00 PM) as Duke Of Tuscany (J: Suraj Narredu, T: P. Shroff) asserted class for Five Stars Shipping Company Pvt Ltd & Others, ahead of Golden Kingdom and Main Street. The first division of the Mamma’s Mink Handicap followed at 4:30 PM, with Enchanting (J: Suraj Narredu, T: Deepesh Narredu) landing Race 6 for Stride Livestock Pvt Ltd & Others, from Adeya and Fortune Warrior.
With a full-bodied opening day unfolding race by race, focus now sharpens on the remaining contests and feature moments ahead as the Spring Meeting at Kolkata continues to gather momentum.