The day began with the t2 Cup, which was won by the clear favourite, horse No. 4, Flavius, ridden by champion jockey Suraj Narredu.
What: The Eveready Calcutta Derby Stakes 2014-15 (Grade I), in association with The Telegraph
Where: Royal Calcutta Turf Club (RCTC)
When: Sunday, January 11
On the cards: Eight races, including the t2 Cup, The Eveready Calcutta Derby Stakes 2014-15 (Grade I), The Friends FM Cup and The Alokananda Stakes.
Style file: After a warm and cloudy New Year, derby day was finally when it began to feel like the winter races in Calcutta! With a crisp breeze blowing from morning, the city’s swish set layered up in style. While the women bet big on jackets and boots, they added some drama to their ensemble with pearls, crystals, statement neckpieces and pop puckers. Racing began at 12.30pm, by when the sun was out and so were the fashionably oversized sunnies. The men mostly disappointed the t2 camera, sticking to business suits in boring colours.
Sip and bite: From Mochar Chop and Chinese Bhel to Pav Bhaji, the food court had it all. Some were seen relishing hot biryani and kebabs, while some preferred biting into burgers and sandwiches in between races. Pasta and garlic bread moved fast, as did dosas and fried chicken. A well-stocked bar made sure everyone had their tipple at hand, while DJ Sammy turned back the clock to the ’70s and ’80s with retro tunes.
Overheard: Two gentlemen, in between mouthfuls of Chicken Tikka, discussed Taste Da Punjab, a dhaba festival presented by t2, which was being held at City Centre Salt Lake. “What are you saying?! The one on CIT Road is much better,” said one angrily. “Nahin yaar, the one on Kona Expressway,” said his friend firmly. We wonder if they’ll head out to both soon for a friendly showdown over chicken and naan.
Club speak: “The weather was just perfect! Though the morning was a bit misty, the day turned out to be bright and sunny, yet with a lovely chill. And the city responded by turning up in droves to make it a grand success. Derby day is one of the biggest days in Calcutta’s racing calendar and we are grateful to Eveready for their support every year,” said Anit Casyab, the assistant general manager, racing, and commentator at RCTC.
Calcutta Institute of Engineering and Management student Mrinalini Mazumdar wanted to dress differently, which is why she chose her patterned palazzos from Delhi and matched it with a neckpiece from London. A simple crochet shrug, a statement ring from Swarovski and an oversized LV bag completed her race day look book.
“I used to come here with my dad and uncle earlier. This year I am here with my friends but I made sure I took tips from my dad. All my friends bet and won, so I am in a happy mood,” she beamed.
Interior designer Karishma Pradhwani picked a floral- print dress from Bangkok and paired it with a blingy neckpiece from Forever New and a sling bag from Forever 21. Don’t miss the pretty pink bow in her hair.
“I have come with my husband. I love the ambience and the food here. The weather is also perfect for people to enjoy the races,”
she said.
Advertising professional Shveta Rawat went matchy-matchy in her peach shirt with a pearl-studded collar from Zara Bangalore and a delicate white jacket with pearl detailing from Mumbai. We also loved her cat-eye sunnies.
“I am here with my two sisters and we’re having a gala family time on this beautiful day at the races,”
she smiled.
“I don’t dress up much but Mum told me to put on my best clothes today. I bought this pair of floral pants from Shoppers Stop and the boots from Catwalk. This is my first time at the races, so it’s my ‘derby debut’. I plan to bet today, hope I win. If I ever own a horse I will name it Black Beauty because that is the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of horses,” said Hiya Mukherjee, a second-year student of English at Jadavpur University.
St. Xavier’s College student Nikhil Bothra
was ragged relentlessly by his friends when we asked him to pose for the t2 camera. But he gallantly obliged. “From watching the races to placing bets, I loved it all,” said the young man who stood out in a sea of black and grey in his wine-coloured jacket from The Arvind Store, paired with coloured pants from Tommy Hilfiger.
Text: Samhita Chakraborty and Malancha Dasgupta
Pictures: Anindya Shankar Ray
