Royal Calcutta Turf Club rings in the New Year on Thursday, 1 January, with a vibrant and action-packed race day that perfectly blends festive celebrations with competitive racing. As 2026 begins, the Maidan becomes the focal point for both racing enthusiasts and New Year revellers, with a full card of 11 races promising strong fields, healthy prize money and a lively atmosphere where sport and celebration go hand in hand.
The day opens with early momentum through a series of sprint contests, beginning with The So Amazing Cup Divisions I and II over 1200 metres at 11:30 AM and 12:00 PM respectively, each carrying a prize purse of Rs.3,00,000. The tempo rises further with the Academy Gold Cup Divisions I and II, also run over 1200 metres at 12:30 PM and 1:00 PM, both offering Rs.5,00,000 in prize money and expected to set meaningful form markers for the season ahead.
Midway through the afternoon, attention shifts to competitive middle-distance events as horses step up to 1400 metres. The Goodfellas Cup at 1:30 PM, worth Rs.5,50,000, leads into The Astounding Cup Divisions I and II at 2:00 PM and 2:30 PM, each valued at Rs.5,00,000. These races are likely to reward tactical precision and finishing strength, adding depth and variety to the New Year programme.
The highlight of the day arrives at 3:00 PM with the eighth race, The Deepak Khaitan Memorial Indian Produce Stakes, the principal event on the card. Run over 1200 metres and carrying a substantial prize purse of Rs.20,25,000, the feature race brings together some of the most promising Indian-bred sprinters and stands as the first major test of class and quality at RCTC in the new calendar year.
Following the feature, stamina takes centre stage with The Calcutta Bookmakers’ Association RCTC Gold Vase at 3:30 PM. Contested over 2200 metres for a prize of Rs.12,20,000, the Gold Vase offers a demanding staying challenge and provides a sharp contrast to the sprint-heavy earlier races, often rewarding patience and well-judged rides.
The New Year’s Day meeting concludes with speed once again to the fore as The Multitude Cup Divisions I and II are run over 1100 metres at 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM respectively, each offering Rs.4,00,000. These closing races ensure the card finishes on an energetic note, rounding off a day that captures the essence of a fresh start.
With new ambitions, fresh competition and a festive backdrop, Royal Calcutta Turf Club’s New Year card sets an upbeat tone for the 2026 racing season. It is a day where tradition meets celebration, and where the promise of a new year is reflected in the thrill of the races on the historic Kolkata turf.
Stay tuned to RaceBuzz for complete coverage of the Calcutta 1 Jan race cards and results.