KerryGold, Winsangel & Enola Holmes Dominate Calcutta Monsoon Races

KerryGold, Winsangel, and Enola Holmes Shine on Thrilling Day at Calcutta Monsoon Races

Kolkata, August 20, 2025 — Cheers, sighs, and applause echoed around the stands as six competitive races unfolded in the latest edition of the Calcutta Monsoon Races. From a breathtaking juvenile dash to the dramatic Vajra Handicap finale, the afternoon was a true showcase of speed, strategy, and split-second brilliance that left punters and fans enthralled.

The crowd at the historic Kolkata track watched an electric day of racing, where big names delivered, underdogs fought hard, and trainers and jockeys celebrated emotional wins.

Winsangel Opens the Day at Calcutta Monsoon Races

The opening contest, The Select Handicap (1200m), set the tone for the day. Winsangel, trained by B. Mahesh and ridden confidently by Imran Chisty, produced a polished performance to storm home first in 1:14.568.

Trailing closely was NRI Fantasy, guided by jockey A. Ashhad Asbar for trainer Vikash Jaiswal, who clocked 1:14.676. Third place went to I Smell the Danger under Vishal N. Bunde for trainer Sabeel Shariff. Owned by Mrs. Sreya Bose, Mrs. S. Dhanalakshmi, Mr. Sribash Poddar, and Mr. B. Mahesh, Winsangel’s opening win drew early cheers from the grandstand, setting the rhythm for an action-packed afternoon.

True Faith Shines in Hovercraft Handicap at Calcutta Monsoon Races

In The Hovercraft Handicap (1600m), the versatile True Faith lived up to expectations. Partnered by jockey Neeraj Rawal and trained by Neil Darashah, the gelding surged ahead late to stop the clock at 1:39.984.

Jahzara, trained by Bharath Singh and ridden by R. Vaibhav, ran gamely for second in 1:41.161, while Sea Eagle, trained by Neil Darashah and ridden by Arul J.H., claimed third in 1:42.291. The victory added another feather to the cap of owners Mrs. Anneka Darashah, Mr. Hemant S. Dharnidharka, Mr. Cowas Dorab Bajan, and Mr. S. Roopesh.

Pantazi Dominates Betbricks7 Juvenile Sprint at Calcutta Monsoon Races

The crowd came alive for the day’s third event, The Betbricks7 Calcutta Juvenile Sprint (1100m), reserved for promising three-year-olds. Pantazi, under an ice-cool ride from P. Trevor and trained by Aashay Doctor, displayed class and acceleration, finishing in 1:05.751.

Stablemate Star Pride, also trained by Aashay Doctor and ridden by P. Tejeshwar, came in second at 1:09.299. The impressive win for Pantazi, owned by Mrs. Menaka Gupta, Mr. Vishal Doctor, Mr. Kamal J. Doctor, Mr. Viral Devkumar Doctor, and Mr. Achuthan Siddharth, sparked loud cheers from connections in the paddock.

KerryGold Shines in Betbricks7 Rising Stars Handicap

At 4:00 p.m., the Betbricks7 Rising Stars Handicap (1100m, Class IV) witnessed one of the afternoon’s most decisive victories. KerryGold, trained by Neil Darashah and partnered by Arul J.H., controlled the pace and never looked threatened, clocking 1:08.444 for an effortless win.

Honey Cake (trained by Shafiq Khan, ridden by Md. Sameer) followed in 1:08.685, with Jean Lafette (trained by B. Mahesh, ridden by Hasib Alam) taking third in 1:09.464. Owned by Manjri Horse Breeder’s Farm Pvt Ltd and Mr. Amitesh Singh, KerryGold’s smooth victory confirmed his growing reputation as one to watch.

Main Street Powers Home in Betbricks7 Play and Win Handicap

In the penultimate event, Main Street, expertly piloted by P. Trevor for trainer Arti Doctor, captured The Betbricks7 Play and Win Handicap (1400m, Class II) in a thrilling finish, stopping the clock at 1:25.600.

Snowpiercer (ridden by A. Ashhad Asbar, trained by Patrick Quinn) was narrowly denied, finishing second in 1:25.674, while King of Mafia (ridden by Imran Chisty, trained by B. Mahesh) claimed third in 1:25.736. The winner carried the colours of proud owner Mr. Kersi H. Vachha.

Enola Holmes Closes the Show in Vajra Handicap

The final race, The Vajra Handicap (1400m), wrapped up the day with a thrilling display of finishing speed. Enola Holmes, trained by Neil Darashah and ridden by Neeraj Rawal, produced a perfectly timed run to seize victory in 1:27.082.

Wonderful (ridden by R. Vaibhav, trained by B. Mahesh) finished a strong second in 1:27.518, followed by Chililady (ridden by Md. Sameer, trained by Shafiq Khan) in 1:28.177. Owned by Manjri Horse Breeder’s Farm Pvt Ltd, Enola Holmes’ success brought the curtain down on a spectacular day of racing at the Kolkata track.

A Day to Remember at Calcutta Monsoon Races

From start to finish, the Calcutta Monsoon Races on August 20, 2025 delivered storylines to remember — hard-fought duels, brilliant finishes, and standout performances from both seasoned champions and rising stars.

With Neil Darashah leading the training honours, P. Trevor and Neeraj Rawal splitting the riding spoils, and KerryGold and Enola Holmes dazzling on the turf, this meeting will be remembered as one of the season’s highlights.

For more updates, detailed race reports, and upcoming schedules from the Calcutta Monsoon Races visit Racebuzz.

For more information about the club and its racing events, visit the Royal Calcutta Turf Club website.

British EBF Powers Sky Ebor Festival 2025 with £500K Support

British EBF Strengthens Ebor Festival with £500,000 Support at York

York, August 20, 2025 — There was a palpable sense of anticipation across the Knavesmire as the British EBF once again reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to the sport, backing five high-profile races at this year’s Ebor Festival. With over £500,000 in total prize money directly supported by the British EBF, this sponsorship highlights its pivotal role in shaping the careers of racing’s future stars.

A Festival Steeped in Legacy and Ambition

The York crowd has come to expect quality, but the British EBF’s involvement at the Ebor Festival 2025 raises the stakes even higher. On Thursday, August 21, the spotlight falls on three EBF-backed contests, each carrying an impressive £100,000 prize fund.

Among the highlights is the Listed British EBF & Sir Henry Cecil Galtres Stakes, staged over just shy of 12 furlongs. Part of a 23-race programme dedicated to supporting talented fillies, the Galtres Stakes has built a reputation for producing champions. Recent graduates include Search For A Song, a dual Group 1 Irish St Leger heroine; Forbearance, winner of the Gr.3 Princess Royal Stakes; and Haskoy, who scored in the Gr.3 Aston Park Stakes.

Last year’s victor Scenic underlined the race’s status as a launchpad to success, returning this season to capture the Gr.3 Bronte Cup before finishing a close second in the Gr.2 Lancashire Oaks. Third-placed Nakheel from the 2024 renewal also went on to claim Group 2 honours in Doncaster’s Park Hill Stakes.

Emerging Stars from Historic Races

The EBF’s influence stretches well beyond the Galtres Stakes. The Mews Hotel Ossett EBF Stallions Nursery has been a breeding ground for future stars. Alflaila, who dead-heated for second in the 2021 edition, has since become a dual Gr.2 York Stakes winner. Meanwhile, Indian Dream, the 2022 runner-up, now thrives in Hong Kong, highlighted by victory in the Gr.3 January Cup earlier this year.

Similarly, the British EBF Fillies’ Handicap has produced outstanding broodmares and champions. Mistrusting, the 2015 winner, became the dam of Gr.1 scorers Mysterious Night and Althiqa, while Opal Tiara followed her 2016 success with Gr.2 victories in Dubai and Ireland.

Last year’s top three — Nigiri, Coco Jambo, and Naomi Lapaglia — all went on to secure black-type status in Group races, underlining the depth of quality the EBF-backed races consistently deliver.

Friday’s Rich Convivial Maiden: Europe’s Finest Two-Year-Old Contest

On Friday, August 22, attention turns to the British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial Maiden, Europe’s richest two-year-old maiden, boasting a £100,000 prize purse. Backed by the British EBF as part of the high-value development race programme, the contest is central to the drive to encourage investment in young talent and strengthen Britain’s breeding ecosystem.

The race’s honour roll speaks volumes. Among its notable graduates are Rivet and Naval Crown, both Group 1 winners; Hoo Ya Mal, Derby runner-up; and Molatham and Battle Cry, winners at Group 3 level.

In last year’s running, Whirl finished fifth but has since soared to new heights, securing four Group victories, including the Gr.1 Pretty Polly Stakes and Gr.1 Nassau Stakes this season — proof that the Convivial Maiden remains one of the sport’s most influential springboards.

A Four-Decade Legacy of Support

The British EBF, funded by British stallion owners, has been instrumental in shaping the sport for over 40 years, contributing £2 million annually to prize money. Its targeted investment focuses on the developmental stages of a horse’s career, a strategy that has nurtured some of racing’s greatest names, including Frankel, Alpinista, and Dubawi, all of whom launched their journeys in EBF-supported contests.

As the Ebor Festival 2025 unfolds, the British EBF’s vision remains clear: to ensure racing’s future stars continue to shine on the grandest stages.

Conclusion

With its £500,000 sponsorship commitment, the British EBF once again proves its status as a cornerstone of British Flat racing. By supporting the Ebor Festival at York, the organisation continues to pave the way for future champions while protecting the health and vibrancy of the sport’s breeding and racing ecosystem.

For more updates and full coverage from India and round the world, visit RaceBuzz.

For more information about the British EBF and their supported races, visit the official EBF Stallions website.

Velocity Shines in Del Mar Oaks 2025 – Gonzalez Guides Filly to Grade I Upset

Velocity Surges Late to Seal Del Mar Oaks Glory

There was no disguising Ricky Gonzalez’s emotion as he guided Velocity back to the Del Mar winner’s circle. The young rider patted the filly’s neck again and again before leaning down to plant a grateful kiss on her mane. Around them, a lively Saturday crowd erupted in cheers — many still buzzing from the upset they had just witnessed in the Grade I Del Mar Oaks presented by Keeneland Sales.

Gonzalez, who had been forced to bide his time in traffic, showed perfect judgment. With the race seemingly slipping away, he darted to the inside turning for home, where a narrow seam opened at just the right moment. Velocity — quickening with all the heart her name promised — shot through like a seasoned campaigner, collaring the leaders and driving clear to win by half a length.

A Perfectly Timed Ride

“She gave me everything,” Gonzalez said afterward, his smile wide. “I just needed the space, and once I saw it, she did the rest. She’s all class.”

Velocity’s victory marked a first Grade I triumph for her trainer, who could barely contain his joy. “I knew she had the talent, but to see her fight like that — it’s the moment you dream of,” he said, voice breaking. “We’re all going to remember this day.”

Behind Velocity, the favorite wilted late under pressure and had to settle for second, while a longshot closed strongly to claim third. The final time for the mile and an eighth on firm turf was sharp, sealing the result as no fluke.

Breeders’ Cup Path Opens

The win places Velocity firmly on the road to the Breeders’ Cup, with the Del Mar Oaks historically a proving ground for fall championship contenders. Connections now have a choice: press on toward the Filly & Mare Turf, or freshen her for a shorter target. Either way, Saturday’s result announced her as a filly of rare quality.

For Gonzalez, the moment was as much about trust as tactics. “She waited, she listened, and when I asked, she answered,” he said. “You can’t ask for more.”

Spotlight Turns to the Pat O’Brien Stakes

Attention now shifts to the Grade II Pat O’Brien Stakes this coming Saturday at Del Mar, where another coveted Breeders’ Cup berth — this time for the Dirt Mile — will be on the line. Fans will return expecting another chapter in what has already been a memorable seaside summer.

As the sun set on Saturday, one truth rang clear: the Del Mar Oaks had given racing not just a winner, but a story. Velocity’s name will be etched into the track’s Grade I roll of honor, and her rider’s daring move to the rail will be remembered as the spark that lit the crowd.

Read more racing stories and past features on RaceBuzz.

Visit the official Del Mar Thoroughbred Club website for entries, results, and event details.

Chapman Faces Tough Test as Racing League Newcastle Showdown Looms

Chapman Cautious Ahead of Crucial Newcastle Test as Rivals Eye Racing League Upset

Matt Chapman was all smiles when London & The South extended their Racing League lead at Windsor last week — but behind the grin lies quiet caution. With Newcastle’s fiercely competitive night five looming on Thursday, August 21, the charismatic team manager knows better than to celebrate early.

London & The South hold a commanding 95-point advantage over The East after amassing a record-breaking 202 points at Windsor, but Chapman isn’t counting his chickens just yet.

“This competition can turn on its head in a single night,” Chapman admitted. “We’ve seen teams rack up 200 points before, so Newcastle could swing towards someone else entirely. I know some mischievous team managers are saying it’s ours to lose — maybe mathematics isn’t their strong suit!”

Newcastle Set for Fiercely Contested Night

Unlike Windsor, where London & The South dominated, all seven Racing League teams will unleash full squads of 14 runners at Newcastle, making it arguably the most competitive fixture of the season.

Chapman has his eyes set on Race 31, where Bragbor (George Scott) and Telepathic (Simon & Ed Crisford) spearhead the charge. Telepathic impressed at Doncaster last time, while Bragbor carries big expectations for the future.

“We also managed to slot in Jessica Macey’s Jenever for the five-furlong Race 33, and he loves it here,” Chapman added. “Richard Hannon’s Witch Hunter looks Group-class in Race 32, and Al Rufaa has unfinished business in Race 34 after just missing out here last year.”

Chapman’s cautious optimism is balanced by calculation:

“If we notch between 70 and 100 points, we should stay on top. But if we falter, I’d rather the lower-ranked teams close in than Charlie Fellowes and The East!”

The East Eyeing a Dramatic Comeback

Charlie Fellowes, manager of The East, refuses to throw in the towel despite the daunting gap. He’s drawing inspiration from Ireland’s stunning turnaround in 2023, when they overturned a 72-point deficit in the final two fixtures to snatch victory from Wales & The West.

“Ninety-five points is big, but Racing League history shows nothing is over until it’s over,” said Fellowes. “We’ve got a strong team heading to Newcastle and favourable draws. If we can close the gap to 40 points before Southwell, we’re right in this.”

The East’s powerful trio from James Fanshawe — Salamanca City (Race 31), Miss Nightfall (Race 32), and Leadenhall Street (Race 35) — will be central to their challenge. Fellowes also highlighted Sir Mark Prescott’s Synergism in Race 29 and his own runner, Ivatt, in Race 30 as key players in their Newcastle arsenal.

Scotland Banking on Mulrennan’s Magic

Sitting third with 446 points, Scotland is quietly confident under manager Alex Steedman, who has leading Newcastle jockey Paul Mulrennan steering several contenders.

Steedman believes Sax Appeal and Chillhi are strong threats in Race 29, while sprint specialists Bonito Cavalo and Lion’s House hold solid claims in Race 33. In Race 34, Steedman tips Titled Kilt as one to watch after an eye-catching Wolverhampton run, with Nikovo also expected to relish Newcastle’s surface.

Racing League Standings After Night Four

Team	Points
London & The South	581
The East	486
Scotland	446
Yorkshire	432
Wales & The West	409
Ireland	358
The North	291

With Newcastle’s full-throttle clash ahead, expect fireworks as teams chase Chapman’s leaders into the home straight.

Conclusion

The Racing League Newcastle 2025 fixture promises high drama, tactical battles, and potential upsets. With London & The South defending a sizeable lead, The East, Scotland, and the chasing pack are throwing everything into the mix. History suggests Chapman’s side can’t afford complacency — Newcastle could yet rewrite the Racing League script.

Explore more horse racing news, previews, and exclusive articles on RaceBuzz.

For full schedules, standings, and updates, visit the official Racing League website

Enola Holmes Captures The Vajra Handicap as RCTC Card Concludes

The Vajra Handicap RCTC 2025 brought the Wednesday meeting at the Royal Calcutta Turf Club (RCTC) to a fitting close on August 20, 2025. Run over 1,400 metres at 5:00 PM, the race produced a fluent winner in Enola Holmes, who gave her supporters a strong finish to the six-race card.

Ridden with poise by Neeraj Rawal and trained by Neil Darashah, Enola Holmes displayed both pace and finishing strength to cross the line in 1:27.082, securing top honours for her owner, M/s Manjri Horse Breeders’ Farm Pvt Ltd.

Finishing second was Wonderful, guided by R Vaibhav for trainer B Mahesh, who stopped the clock at 1:27.518, while third went to Chillilady, ridden by MD Sameer and trained by Shafiq Khan, finishing in 1:28.177.

The fourth spot was claimed by Cashalaika, with A Ashhad Asbar aboard for Shafiq Khan, who timed 1:29.244, while Oromelo, partnered by R S Bhati for Javed Khan, finished fifth in 1:32.389.

The Vajra Handicap RCTC 2025 provided a strong conclusion to the midweek racing card, highlighting Enola Holmes’s ability and consistency. With the August 20 programme complete, attention now shifts to the next RCTC race day on August 27, 2025, where another exciting line-up awaits.

RCTC Races: Kerrygold Sparkles in The Betbricks7 Rising Stars Handicap

The fourth race of the afternoon at the Royal Calcutta Turf Club on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, was The Betbricks7 Rising Stars Handicap, a 1,100-metre sprint for Class IV contenders. Run at 4:00 PM, the race saw a competitive field line up, but it was Kerrygold who delivered a sparkling victory.

Betbricks7 Rising Stars Handicap RCTC 2025 — Full Result

Ridden by Arul J H and trained by Neil Darashah, Kerrygold showed speed and resilience to grab the lead and hold off late challenges, stopping the clock at 1:08.444. The filly is owned by Manjri Horse Breed’s Farm Pvt. Ltd. and Mr. Amitesh Singh, whose colours were carried to a well-earned win.

Just a length and a half behind came Honey Cake, ridden by MD Sameer for trainer Shafiq Khan, timing 1:08.685 to claim second. The third spot went to Jean Lafette, guided by Hasib Alam for trainer B. Mahesh, who finished in 1:09.464.

The fourth place was closely fought, with Bundle of Charm, ridden by Vishal N. Bunde for trainer Sabeel Shariff, finishing in 1:09.578. Fifth home was Fulcrum, with MD Azharuddin in the saddle for Shafiq Khan, stopping the clock at 1:09.679.

The Betbricks7 Rising Stars Handicap lived up to its name, with Kerrygold’s polished effort standing out in a tightly contested sprint. Attention now turns to the next races on the card — The Betbricks7 Play and Win Handicap at 4:30 PM and The Vajra Handicap at 5:00 PM, which promise more drama on a lively afternoon of racing.

Pantazi Rules The Betbricks7 Calcutta Juvenile Sprint

The Royal Calcutta Turf Club’s third race on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, brought forward The Betbricks7 Calcutta Juvenile Sprint, a 1,100-metre test for three-year-olds. Run at 3:30 PM, the race attracted only two contestants, but the clear favourite Pantazi ensured the small field still produced a commanding display of racing quality.

Guided with precision by jockey P. Trevor and trained by Aashay Doctor, Pantazi seized the initiative from the outset and never looked threatened. He crossed the line in 1:05.751, confirming his growing reputation and rewarding his large ownership group comprising Mrs. Menaka Gupta, Mr. Salomone N Benveniste, Mr. Vishal Doctor, Mr. Kamal J Doctor, Mr. Hemang Devendra Doctor, and others.

The only challenger, Star Pride, with P Tejeshwar in the saddle and also trained by Aashay Doctor, trailed at a distance and clocked 1:09.299, finishing a well-beaten second. While the reduced field denied the race any real contest, Pantazi’s professional performance provided the highlight.

Earlier in the day, True Faith had captured The Hovercraft Handicap with a strong ride from Neeraj Rawal, giving trainer Neil Darashah a notable success. Together with Pantazi’s victory in the Juvenile Sprint, the afternoon was beginning to take shape with standout winners emerging from different stables.

Racing enthusiasts can now look forward to the remainder of the midweek programme, which promises more excitement with The Betbricks7 Rising Stars Handicap at 4:00 PM, followed by The Betbricks7 Play and Win Handicap at 4:30 PM, and closing with The Vajra Handicap at 5:00 PM. Each of these contests is expected to add fresh intrigue to a lively racing day.

True Faith Prevails in The Hovercraft Handicap at RCTC

Kolkata’s Royal Calcutta Turf Club (RCTC) witnessed an engaging contest in the day’s second event on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. The Hovercraft Handicap, run over a mile (1600 metres) at 3:00 PM, saw True Faith assert his dominance with a polished performance.

Guided expertly by jockey Neeraj Rawal and trained by Neil Darashah, True Faith produced a strong run to hit the front and maintain his lead comfortably, stopping the clock at 1:39.984. The five-year-old displayed consistency throughout, rewarding his connections with a decisive win.

Jahzara, ridden by R Vaibhav for trainer Bharath Singh, kept on resolutely but had to settle for second, finishing in 1:41.161. Seven lengths adrift came Sea Eagle, partnered by Arul J H and also trained by Neil Darashah, who registered a time of 1:42.291 for the third spot.

The fourth place was filled by Lucky Nine, with Vishal N. Bunde up for trainer B Rajender Reddy, returning 1:44.667. Wordsmith, under A Ashhad Asbar for trainer Dr. Anil Kumar, completed the line-up in 1:45.293.

The Hovercraft Handicap added a steady rhythm to the afternoon card, with True Faith’s victory setting a high bar for the remainder of the programme. Attention now turns to the next race on the card — The Betbricks7 Calcutta Juvenile Sprint, scheduled at 3:30 PM, which promises to deliver another dose of excitement to racing enthusiasts at RCTC.

Winsangel Claims The Select Handicap at RCTC

Kolkata’s Royal Calcutta Turf Club (RCTC) opened its Wednesday card on 20th August 2025 with The Select Handicap, a 1200-metre contest run at 2:30 PM. The race produced a decisive performance from Winsangel, who showed speed and determination under jockey Imran Chisty to secure top honours. Trained by B. Mahesh, Winsangel crossed the finish in 1:14.568, bringing delight to her connections. She is owned by Mrs. Sreya Bose, Mrs. S Dhanalakshmi, Mr. Sribash Poddar, and Mr. B Mahesh.

Close behind, N R I Fantasy, partnered by A Ashhad Asbar for trainer Vikash Jaiswal, kept up the pressure but had to settle for second, finishing in 1:14.676.

The third spot went to I Smell The Danger, guided by Vishal N. Bunde and trained by Sabeel Shariff, who clocked 1:15.632.

Rounding off the top four was Happy Morning, ridden by MD Imran and also trained by B. Mahesh, finishing in 1:16.231.

The opening race set a competitive tone for the afternoon’s proceedings, with Winsangel’s smart run giving her supporters an early reason to cheer.

TurfLens — Horse Racing in India: Tradition, Tourism, and the Case for Fair GST

Horse racing in India is one of the oldest and most distinguished sporting traditions, combining heritage, tourism, and livelihoods in a way few industries can. From the historic courses of Kolkata and Mumbai to the thriving turf clubs of Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai, racing has long been a cultural institution, attracting visitors, supporting equine breeding, and sustaining thousands of families.

Yet today, this legacy faces a grave crisis—not because of waning public interest or diminished competitiveness, but because of a tax regime that threatens its very survival. Since October 2023, horse racing has been subject to a 28 percent Goods and Services Tax levied on the full face value of bets placed. This rate does not merely tax winnings or the commission retained by clubs; it taxes every rupee that enters the pool, thereby penalising the legitimate and regulated form of wagering that underpins the sport.

The consequences of this structure are already stark. In Hyderabad, official betting collections that once stood at ₹1,271 crore in 2016–17 have collapsed to a mere ₹141 crore in 2024–25, even as the parallel illegal betting market has swelled to over ₹2,000 crore annually. In Mumbai too, the Royal Western India Turf Club has seen official tote collections decline from around ₹15 crore in earlier years to barely ₹2–3 crore today, with punters preferring unregulated bookmaking avenues that escape taxation. Nationally, the trend is unmistakable: government revenue from racing, which had touched ₹3,274 crore in 2014–15, has dwindled to less than half that amount within five years of GST implementation.

This is not just a story of numbers but of livelihoods and heritage under siege. The equine population in Hyderabad alone has fallen from over a thousand horses to around 650, as owners are unable to meet the costs of upkeep—now estimated at nearly ₹35,000 per month per horse. Trainers, jockeys, syces, farriers, veterinarians, breeders, and a host of ancillary workers are being forced to abandon their profession, leaving behind an entire ecosystem that once flourished around the sport.

The cascading effect is felt in rural areas that supply feed and breeding services, in urban tourism where racecourses attract visitors, and in state treasuries that lose revenue to underground markets. To equate horse racing with games of pure chance is to misunderstand its nature and its jurisprudential recognition.

The Supreme Court in K.R. Lakshmanan v. State of Tamil Nadu (1996) categorically recognised racing as a game of skill, requiring analysis of form, pedigree, track conditions, weather, handicapping, and jockeyship. Bettors engage in statistical study, pedigree research, and performance evaluation—skills that distinguish the sport from online money games or casinos, which the government itself has recently moved to prohibit through the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025.

While unregulated online games are deemed harmful because of their addictive and opaque design, horse racing remains a licensed, supervised, and historically significant sporting activity. It is therefore inappropriate to punish it with the same or harsher tax treatment than those activities the government itself has sought to ban.

About the Author

Vikram Bachhawat is a renowned horse owner & Director of Chisel Crafts, Aakriti Art Gallery & Konark Collectables.

Editorial Disclaimer

This TurfLens guest column examines GST on horse racing and its effects on Indian turf clubs, racing taxation in India and the wider equine industry in India. The views expressed are solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of RaceBuzz, its editors, or affiliates. RaceBuzz does not assume responsibility for any errors or omissions, or for the accuracy of the information presented.

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Today on

KerryGold, Winsangel, and Enola Holmes Shine on Thrilling Day at Calcutta Monsoon Races

Winsangel Opens the Day at Calcutta Monsoon Races

True Faith Shines in Hovercraft Handicap at Calcutta Monsoon Races

Pantazi Dominates Betbricks7 Juvenile Sprint at Calcutta Monsoon Races

KerryGold Shines in Betbricks7 Rising Stars Handicap

Main Street Powers Home in Betbricks7 Play and Win Handicap

Enola Holmes Closes the Show in Vajra Handicap

A Day to Remember at Calcutta Monsoon Races

British EBF Strengthens Ebor Festival with £500,000 Support at York

A Festival Steeped in Legacy and Ambition

Emerging Stars from Historic Races

Friday’s Rich Convivial Maiden: Europe’s Finest Two-Year-Old Contest

A Four-Decade Legacy of Support

Conclusion

Velocity Surges Late to Seal Del Mar Oaks Glory

A Perfectly Timed Ride

Breeders’ Cup Path Opens

Spotlight Turns to the Pat O’Brien Stakes

Chapman Cautious Ahead of Crucial Newcastle Test as Rivals Eye Racing League Upset

Newcastle Set for Fiercely Contested Night

The East Eyeing a Dramatic Comeback

Scotland Banking on Mulrennan’s Magic

Racing League Standings After Night Four

Conclusion

Betbricks7 Rising Stars Handicap RCTC 2025 — Full Result

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