What: The Calcutta Monsoon Derby 2015, in association with The Telegraph
Where: Royal Calcutta Turf Club
When: October 4

On the cards: Eight races, including the signature race of the day, The Calcutta Monsoon Derby (2015) Grade II, the biggest race of the monsoon racing season. The total stake money was around Rs 80 lakh.

Style file: While the ladies took out their midi dresses and palazzos, PYTs sported culottes and summer jackets. Men came in smart semi-formals. Oversized sunnies, nifty fedoras and floppy summer hats completed the race look book.

Sip and bite: The food court offered hot crunchy Fried Chicken and Fish Fingers, while vegetarians could choose from spring roll, sandwiches and corn-and-cheese croquettes. There was fruit cake to indulge the sweet tooth. Beer, whisky and vodka kept the race enthusiasts hic-hic-happy, even as DJ Sammy made for a lively atmosphere by spinning retro tracks by Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton. “I love the ambience here. There is this old-world charm where man and beast come together,” said the DJ.

Club speak: “This year’s turnout was definitely better than the previous Monsoon Derby days. Some of the best horses were out this time. Captain Cook won The Calcutta Monsoon Derby 2015, which was well deserved,” said Anit Casyab, commentator and assistant general manager, racing, RCTC.

Fun with t2: If you had a horse what would you call it?

Snow Tiger: I want to own a grey horse that would win the Monsoon Derby one day 
— Avantika Saraogi
Thunder Bird: It’s a dramatic name and has a Hollywood feel to it, exactly how I want my horse to be 
— Shubham Mitra
Cheese: I love cheese and when I have my own horse, I will love him too 
— Varun Subramanyam
Lightning: I want my horse to run fast and win every race 
— Aafreen Talat
Oreo: I love the biscuit and the name is cute 
— Ayesha Usmani,
Thunderbolt: I want my horse to stand out 
— Manpreet Sadana 
Queen Bee: To win a race, you need to be the queen 
— Cheric Stephen

STYLE COUPLE

Businessman Karan Singhania went for a clean look, pairing his white shirt with green checkered pants. What stood out were his moccasins, worn without socks but with swag. His fiancee, Shubham Mitra, who works with Jabong, chose well for monsoon — a midi-length dress. The long crochet cardigan went well with the simple silhouette.

Text: Malancha Dasgupta
Pictures: Anindya Shankar Ray